Partner Projects

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APACE

APACE

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.

ETCOMPACT

E.T.COMPACT

E.T.COMPACT is an EIC Pathfinder project dedicated to developing a miniaturized, propellant-free space propulsion system using Electrodynamic Tether technology, aiming to achieve TRL4. This innovative device enables both propellant-free propulsion and power generation, leveraging PVK/CIGS solar cell technology integrated into a bare-photovoltaic tether.

E.T.COMPACT is part of the FET-OPEN project “Electrodynamic Tether technology for PAssive Consumable-less deorbit Kit” (E.T.PACK, 2019). Electrodynamic tethers (EDTs) are long in-orbit conductors that, thanks to their interaction with the ionospheric plasma and the geomagnetic field, can provide propellant-less propulsion and power generation. Among the envisaged applications of these products one finds the deorbiting space debris, the reboost of spacecraft, in-orbit servicing, and enable missions at very low orbits. All of them benefit from the propellant-less character of EDTs.

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GreenSWaP

GreenSWaP (Green Solar-to-Propellant Water Propulsion) is a groundbreaking project that uses solar energy to convert water into environmentally-friendly propellants: hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and hydrogen H2. Inspired by the way plants convert sunlight into energy by photosynthesis, this project will integrate advanced technologies to step toward establishing a sustainable method for producing propellants directly in space, enabling low-cost, eco-friendly, and self-sufficient future space missions, facilitating safer and more efficient in-orbit services.

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rePowerSiC

rePowerSiC is part of the Pathfinder Challenge, aiming to create a breakthrough in efficient wireless power transmission for space. The project employs cutting-edge Laser Power Transmission (LPT) technology to beam energy across space using a highly efficient Silicon Carbide-based power converter. This approach allows for the transmission of energy densities up to kW/cm2, while keeping the receiver size compact. The SiC-based system is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space, providing a reliable power source for a wide range of space missions.

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ZEUS

ZEUS is a research project that will develop efficient, radiation-resistant nanowire technologies for sustainable in-orbit power generation
The ZEUS research project focuses on advancing highly efficient, radiation-resistant nanowire solar cells designed for space. The team aims to enhance their efficiency and scale up wafer sizes to 100 mm², developing modules of 1×1 cm². They are also working to improve power conversion efficiency using innovative III-V nanowire MOSFETs for wireless energy transmission. To reduce material usage and weight, the project employs nanowire peeling techniques and promotes wafer re-use. Finally, it emphasizes decarbonization and the efficient use of critical raw materials through comprehensive life-cycle assessments (LCA).
 
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Partners

© 2024 Ice2thrust – Ice2Thrust.Space (S4I2T) is an EU-funded project [GA number 101161690] – PRIVACY POLICY  –  NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
© 2024 Ice2thrust
Ice2Thrust.Space (S4I2T) is an EU-funded project [GA number 101161690]
PRIVACY POLICY
  –  NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE

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