ZEUS - Zero-loss Energy harvesting Using nanowire solar cells in Space
Our partner projects in the EIC space portfolio
ZEUS and other projects are funded under the EIC Pathfinder Challenge "In-space solar energy harvesting for innovative space applications". The EIC has analyzed all projects for shared components or potential complementarities to identify a clear added value for the development of synergies and collaborations among the projects. These have been grouped into a portfolio in order to maximise the overall impact of all projects. Here, we present our partner projects in the portfolio.
Ice2Thrust.Space (S4I2T) is an EU-funded project (GA number 101161690) that aims to develop a next-generation solar electric water propulsion system, as well as investigate and advance the in-space resource utilization and mobility architecture surrounding it. The project, which commenced on 1 September 2024, spans 36 months and has an ambitious goal of achieving significant breakthroughs in solar-powered propulsion technology, in-situ resource utilization, and AI-driven mobility in space. These efforts will address critical technological challenges and bottlenecks.
The project envisions offering a high-performance platform that enables autonomous spacecraft docking and propellant refilling, promoting both economic and environmental sustainability. It also facilitates in-orbit servicing, robotics, and in-space manufacturing. Additionally, Ice2Thrust explores in-space water extraction and utilization from celestial bodies, contributing to a self-sustaining circular space economy based on solar energy harvesting.
Website: https://ice2thrust.space/
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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 is capable of upgrading diffuse natural sunlight into a coherent laser beam.
The APACE bio-inspired laser will be able to operate under unconcentrated sunlight, with at least two orders of magnitude enhanced efficiency over existing designs. APACE will thus lay the foundation for a novel solar harvesting technology that could ultimately be fabricated in situ on permanent space stations, and that may benefit from a similar scalability as photovoltaic panels. The collected energy can be used for in situ energy production (e.g. hydrogen generation) as well as for wireless power transmission by infrared laser beams.
Website: www.apace-biolaser.eu
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Funding
Funding from the European Innovation Council, Project No 101161465 is gratefully acknowledged..
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