COMPACT AND PROPELLANT-LESS ELECTRODYNAMIC TETHER SYSTEM BASED ON IN-SPACE SOLAR ENERGY

Introduction

E.T.COMPACT is aimed at reaching technology readiness level four for three in-space technologies in the domain of solar energy harvesting and green propulsion.

Technology Overview

Thin Film Tandem Module

The first technology is a thin film 2-terminal tandem CIGS/Perovskite module with:

• Efficiency larger than 15%
• Power-per-weight ratio larger than 50W/kg

This technology is designed to reduce the cost of in-space solar panels.

Miniaturized Green-Propulsion Mobility Module

The second technology is a miniaturized (target volume 3U) green-propulsion mobility module device based on an electrodynamic tether. Key features include:

• Tether reel-in/reel-out capability
• Equipped with a field emission cathode

The mobility module can use the harvested in-space solar energy to produce propulsion (both thrust and drag) without using propellant or expellant.

Research on Ultrathin Structures

For the mobility module and the satellite platform to host it, research on ultralight structures based on 3D printed compliant polymeric techniques is conducted. The goals are:

1. Mass reduction
2. Integration of compliance mechanisms for both tether deployment and thin-film solar panel unfolding

Novel Bare-Photovoltaic Tether

The third technology combines the experience and knowledge of the consortium on photovoltaic and tether technologies. It features a novel bare-photovoltaic tether that:

• Uses the metallic tape tether for both electron collection and as the back contact of tandem CIGS/Perovskite modules
• Integrates solar energy harvesting and propellant-less propulsion in a single device

Project Impact

Project impact is enhanced by activities on:

• Market analysis
• Unit mass production
• Early commercialization

These activities are solidly supported by simulation work to assess the use of these technologies in the fields of:

1. Post mission disposal
2. Active debris removal
3. In-orbit servicing
4. Space tugs