In-Space Solar Energy Harvesting Portfolio

Coordinated by Università degli Studi di Firenze

Creating new technologies towards long-term in space self-sustainability is essential to solve the problem of the increasing energy demand both in space and on Earth. Biology can provide the answer
to this challenge, self-sustainability being the defining characteristic of life. APACE will demonstrate a novel type of bio-inspired sunlight pumped laser, based on photosynthetic complexes, that can upgrade diffuse natural sunlight into a coherent laser beam. In the APACE core strategy, lasing units composed of engineered molecular systems or doped nanocrystals will be attached to a bacteria photosynthetic antenna complex to obtain an engineered photosynthetic antenna.

Coordinated by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

As space missions increasingly prioritise sustainability and cost efficiency, innovative technologies are essential. The EU-funded E.T.COMPACT project aims to reach TRL 4 for an ultra-compact propellant-less in-space green-propulsion mobility module fed with solar energy and based on electrodynamic tether technology. Additionally, the team will develop a bare-photovoltaic tether demonstrator with Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) larger than 12% and the double capacity for power harvesting and propellant-less propulsion. The project includes abundant research activities on preparing tandem PVK/CIGS 2-terminal thin film solar cells for space applications with PCE> 15%, and power/weight ratio>50W/kg, while preserving the design flexibility and cost of the laser printing process. The work plan also considers theoretical analysis to find innovative applications for the in-space use of solar energy and pave the way for the commercialization of E.T.COMPACT technologies for promising scenarios such as post-mission disposal, active debris removal, in-orbit servicing or space tugs.

Coordinated by Università di Pisa

Studies on terrestrial photosynthesis focus on how plants convert solar energy into chemical energy by capturing light. However, the space environment introduces additional constraints and challenges.
The EU-funded Green SWaP project aims to harness the potential of space by converting water into valuable propellants, such as hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen, using solar energy for green propulsion. This approach seeks to enable low-cost, eco-friendly mobility solutions in space. By leveraging solar power, the project will introduce new chemical processes for producing and using hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen, enhancing spacecraft capabilities for renewable and self-sustainable space travel.

Coordinated by Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata

The surge in satellite launches and in-orbit activities calls for breakthroughs in cost-effective solar energy harvesting technologies for space deployment. The EU-funded JUMP INTO SPACE project aims to create high-efficiency, lightweight, flexible solar cells using advanced all-perovskite tandem solar cells. These new solar cells will help achieve 30 % efficiency and exceed current technological limits. Researchers will seek to create a unique photonic substrate that enhances light capture, provides protection from space conditions, and is stable against radiation and atomic oxygen. These solar cells will be tested for high power output and stability in low-orbit conditions. The technology promises to transform space solar power, supporting various spacecraft and potentially providing continuous energy to Earth from space.

Coordinated by Thales

The solar infrared (IR) spectrum has crucial applications in electronic systems, such as reducing the weight and launch costs of satellite solar cells. However, its potential remains underutilised. The EU-funded POWERSAT project aims to develop a platform that captures energy from the IR spectrum and converts microwave spillover from satellite antennas into a DC power supply. This energy will power low-power embedded electronics within satellites and enable efficient inter-satellite communication links. The project will produce five demonstrators: one for solar energy harvesting and four for capturing microwave energy. The goal is to integrate these technologies into satellite electronic systems, replacing traditional solar cells and thereby reducing satellite weight and launch costs.

Coordinated by Thales

The REMPOWER project embarks on a pioneering journey to harness the untapped potential of space based solar power (SBSP) through innovative rectenna technology and sub-THz wireless energy transmission. However, SBSP also faces many challenges, such as high launch costs, technical difficulties, and potential safety and security issues. At its core, REMPOWER is driven by four pivotal technical objectives associated with the capture and rectification of a sub-THz high energy beam: 100 GHz Modular, Flexible and Lightweight Rectenna: REMPOWER will develop rectenna technologies capable of capturing energy at 100 GHz.

Coordinated by Universidad de Santiago de Compostela

High-power laser transmission (HPLT) is one of the most promising wireless power transfer technologies due to its ability to efficiently transmit energy in space, opening the path to new potential applications. The HPLT uses monochromatic light to transfer energy to a remote system via a laser power converter (LPC). Today, GaAs LPCs possess record efficiencies with values around 69% at intensities around 11 W/cm2. However, they are limited by a strong decrease in the efficiency with light intensity due to the unavoidable series resistance losses caused by their low energy gap. RePowerSiC aims to develop a novel high-efficiency laser converter for intensities around 1kW/cm2, which will create a breakthrough in HPLT.

Coordinated by Technische Universitaet Muenchen

The S4I2T project seeks to develop a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar electric water propulsion system. It aims to use water as a propellant to enable autonomous spacecraft docking and propellant refilling, promoting economic and environmental sustainability and facilitating in-orbit servicing, robotics, and in-space manufacturing. Furthermore, the project explores in-space water extraction and utilization from celestial bodies, contributing to a self-sustaining circular space economy based on solar energy harvesting.

The project seeks to offer a high-performance platform enabling autonomous spacecraft docking and propellant refilling, promoting economic and environmental sustainability, and facilitating in-orbit servicing, robotics, and in-space manufacturing. Furthermore, the project explores in-space water extraction and utilization from celestial bodies, contributing to a self-sustaining circular space economy based on solar energy harvesting.

Ultimately, the project strives to position Europe as a leader in solar-energy-powered space mobility, fostering a self-sustaining space economy. Ice2Thrust.Space has a strong interdisciplinary dimension and is utilising the extensive expertise ranging from system engineering to electrochemistry to robotics and propulsion, which all of the project partners contribute to the consortium – TUM, EnduroSat, University of Luxembourg, and Tech Tour.

Coordinated by Lunds Universitet

The ZEUS project is focused on advancing the development of innovative, highly efficient and radiation resistant nanowire solar cells designed for in-orbit solar energy collection. While current space-tested nanowire solar cells offer around 15% efficiency using single-band gap cells, ZEUS aims to significantly enhance this efficiency, potentially reaching up to 47%, by employing triple junction nanowire cells with a carefully selected set of III-V semiconductor materials. To this end, this interdisciplinary project will also optimize nanowire surface passivation schemes to improve voltage and current matching of the solar cell. This project aims to achieve scalability through a peel-off technology that transfers solar cells onto lightweight, flexible substrates (creating a thin film), enabling the creation of large deployable photovoltaic panels.