The total project value will be £620k, which is funded by a £465k grant from the UK Space Agency and a further contribution from the Satellite Applications Catapult itself of £155k. It will run until March 2023.
“This project is a vital first step in the development of a viable Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) solution,” said the Chief Strategy Officer at the Catapult, Sam Adlen (pictured). “By funding SBSP, the UK Space Agency is demonstrating its commitment to this important future energy technology and that gives us a vital boost as we kick-start this work.”
“The funding allows us to deliver many of the critical enabling elements to ensure we get the whole solution, from technology to environmental and regulatory aspects, right the first time. As the world races to achieve net-zero, momentum is building globally and nations looking for future energy security are closely watching the UK’s progress.”
Parts
The project will address three area of enabling work for SBSP: wireless power transmission from space, standard tooling interface development for in-orbit servicing and manufacturing, and general Programme Assurance.
For example, in terms of wireless power transmission, it will investigate how to deliver a high-altitude demonstration of wireless power transmission and simulate the power density effects of SBSP on satellites and aircraft.
It will also research the tools needed for the manipulation, servicing and assembly of modular structures in space and produce prototypes to support their standardisation.
Finally, it will look at best practice engineering processes for complex energy programmes, identify existing standards and gaps for SBSP relevant technologies, and create a regulatory roadmap for the technology.
Net-zero
As mentioned, there’s also an environmental angle, which was highlighted by the UK Space Agency:
“Space Based Solar Power (SBSP) has the exciting potential to provide sustainable energy, helping meet the government’s net-zero target and provide energy security,” said the Payload Systems Lead at the agency, Dr Mamatha Maheshwarappa.
“We’re supporting Space Based Solar Power at different stages to accelerate the technology developments. This funding will help the Satellite Applications Catapult investigate programme enablers and accelerators for the development of new sustainable energy technology from space.”
See also: UK creates Space Partnership for space sector growth