Ascent Solar Technologies Stock Surges 150% on NASA Collaboration

Ascent Solar Technologies (ASTI) shares skyrocketed 151.5% in pre-market trading following news of a strategic collaboration with NASA. The partnership involves NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and Glenn Research Center to advance beamed power reception using CIGS photovoltaic modules—a potential game-changer for space mission efficiency.

The 12-month project aims to reduce cost and technical risks for NASA missions while allowing Ascent Solar to showcase its design capabilities. This surge comes despite ASTI's 64% year-to-date decline and yesterday's 27% drop, highlighting how single catalysts can override broader trends in speculative equities.

TipRanks' AI analyst Spark maintains a Neutral rating with a $1.50 price target, citing weak financials and valuation concerns. The market's violent reaction underscores the premium placed on government partnerships in the renewable energy sector.