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Printed flexible solar cell technology developed by Australias national science agency has been successfully launched into space as part of billionaire Elon Musks Space X Transporter-10 mission.
Eight printed flexible solar cell minimodules from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) were attached to the surface of Sydney-based space transportation provider Space Machine Companys Optimus-1 satellite, which has been launched orbit today from the United States.
Optimus-1, Australias largest private satellite to date, is one of 53 payloads launched into space as part of US spacecraft manufacturer Space Xs Transporter-10 shuttle mission, launched from Vandenberg Space Base Of California.
The Optimus orbital service vehicle, weighing 270 kilograms, will be deployed in an orbital space where its test campaign will begin. Part of these tests will involve investigating flexible solar cells printed by the CSIRO and fixed to the surface of the satellite.
The CSIRO is studying the potential of printed flexible solar cells as a reliable energy source for future space projects. The organizations Space Program Director, Kimberley Clayfield, stated that one of the main challenges in the development of spacecraft is low-mass, high-efficiency energy systems.
“CSIRO’s printed flexible solar cells could provide a reliable and lightweight power solution for future space operations and exploration,” he said. “If space flight testing reveals performance similar to what we have demonstrated in the laboratory, this technology offers significant advantages over traditional silicon-based solar energy.”
Dr Anthony Chesman, head of CSIROs Renewable Energy Systems Group, said the perovskite cells developed by CSIRO have the potential to transform spacecraft power systems and offer new possibilities for future space missions.
“Our perovskite cells have achieved incredible results on Earth and we are excited that they will soon be able to demonstrate their potential in space,” he said, adding that in situ testing will ensure insights into the cells performance as they orbit the planet. . “We will obtain information on how the panels hold up in the extreme conditions of space and data on the efficiency they achieve,” he said.
Chesman explained that the team had already conducted pioneering research on the possible performance of cells in a space environment.
“Based on our research, we expect our printed flexible solar cells to resist the effects of cosmic electron and gamma ray radiation, which can compromise the performance and integrity of traditional solar cells,” he said. “We are also confident that these cells will outperform traditional cells in cases where sunlight hits them at non-optimal angles. The information we receive from the satellite will provide us with valuable data on the practical application of our technology and will serve as a basis for future technological developments.” |
