Summary points:
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Redwire has completed the first deployment test of its most powerful Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) for NASA’s lunar Gateway.
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The arrays will provide 60 kW of power to the Power and Propulsion Element, with final delivery scheduled for late 2025.
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International stakeholders, including ESA and JAXA, as well as others, continue to support the Gateway’s role in deep space exploration and global cooperation.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Redwire Corporation in Jacksonville, Fla., announced it has completed the first deployment test of its Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) lunar Gateway space station, a milestone in the development of solar electric propulsion systems for deep space missions.
The ROSA system will provide power for the Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element (PPE), a foundational module for the planned Moon-orbiting space station. When operational, the ROSAs are expected to generate 60 kilowatts of power - making them the most powerful versions of the array built to date.
Redwire is supplying two ROSA wings under contract with Maxar Technologies, the prime contractor for the PPE. The pair will undergo additional testing before delivery to Maxar in the fourth quarter of 2025.
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"Redwire is proud to be contributing critical infrastructure for PPE and the Gateway mission, and we are grateful for the trust of our customer Maxar and the dedicated teams that are delivering this important hardware," said Adam Biskner, Redwire President of Space Systems. "These ROSAs represent a significant technology achievement that will propel human spaceflight into a bold future."
International collaboration
Redwire hosted an unveiling event attended by representatives from international Gateway partners, including the European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre of the UAE, and Northrop Grumman. The Consulate General of Canada also participated.
"The unprecedented global coalition supporting Gateway is providing more than 60% of its funding, creating a massive savings for the American taxpayer," said Mike Gold, Redwire President of Civil and International Space. "Gaining experience with a large spacecraft supporting surface operations will create invaluable experience to ensure that a future mission to Mars is safe and successful. Gateway will ensure that we do not cede the benefits of our international partnerships on Earth, or exploration leadership on the Moon and Mars to China."
The Gateway is a collaborative project led by NASA with contributions from international and industry partners. It will serve as a critical outpost for long-term, crewed missions in lunar orbit and a stepping stone for future exploration of Mars. Redwire's ROSA technology is also seen as a key enabler for future national security space platforms.
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
Whitney oversees editorial content for the Intelligent Aerospace Website, as well as produce news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attend industry events, produce Webcasts, oversee print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics, and expand the Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics franchises with new and innovative content.
