German scientists from the Technical University of Berlin are working on a new innovative process for producing photovoltaic cells using lunar dust. This surprising idea could be crucial for the construction of future lunar bases and the realization of space missions to Mars.
The SoMo project, funded by the German Space Agency and the German Aerospace Center, aims to use lunar regolith for solar panel production. Regolith, or lunar dust, is the basic material that can be found on the Moon. By utilizing In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technology, which involves producing resources on-site in space, the costs associated with rocket transportation are reduced.
Dr. Enrico Stoll, the project lead from the Technical University of Berlin, emphasizes that the development of the ability to produce resources on the Moon is a crucial area of German space research. The cost of transporting one kilogram of payload from Earth to the Moon is approximately 1 million euros, making the search for self-sustaining energy sources extremely important.
The process of producing photovoltaic panels on the Moon relies on the use of lunar dust and sunlight. The developed silicon cells are coated with an aluminum oxide buffer layer, ensuring appropriate levels of efficiency.
The SoMo project represents a unique combination of space research and the development of terrestrial photovoltaics. Scientists hope that this new technology will contribute to the construction of a self-sustaining base on the Moon and open up further possibilities for space exploration.
FAQ
What is regolith? Regolith is the dust and small rock fragments that can be found on the surface of the Moon and other celestial bodies.
What is ISRU technology? ISRU stands for In-Situ Resource Utilization, which refers to the production of resources on-site in space. It provides self-sustainability and reduces the costs associated with transporting resources from Earth.
What are the benefits of producing photovoltaic panels on the Moon? Producing photovoltaic panels on the Moon helps reduce rocket transportation costs and provides a self-sustaining source of energy for future space bases.
Source:
https://www.idw-online.de/de/news735373
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