Background and scope

Thermonuclear reactions in the Sun are practically an unlimited source of energy, however only tiny fraction of it is so far being exploited. At the same time, increased satellite launches and advancements of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mega constellations, emergence of in orbit satellite servicing (IOS), and active debris removal (ADR) services demonstrate the need for energy to fuel ever increasing spacecraft in-space mobility. Satellite owners are expected to launch in multiple orbits, service satellites, perform collision avoidance manoeuvres, and move their satellites or space tugs into the desired orbits (e.g., LEO, etc.). Therefore, future spacecraft will need innovative propulsion capabilities in order to achieve long-term reliable, affordable, and scalable solutions for in-space mobility.

The visionary idea to find a way to collect solar energy in space and transmit it, possibly via an appropriate grid of re-translators, to various in-space recipients to be utilised for various in-space applications and novel propulsion approaches will result in emerging breakthrough innovations for renewable and self-sustainable in-space mobility solutions and bring substantial benefits for the European satellite owners.

On the other hand, there is an exponential growth of activities in orbit that will require in-space mobility with game changing novel propulsion methods and energy to be utilised for this propulsion. In-space energy harvesting could offer continuously energy to spacecrafts in orbit for in-space mobility, provided that a proper propulsion system is developed. These could be green propulsion solutions, utilizing the transformed and transmitted energy for orbital manoeuvres. Game changing green propulsion solutions for increased payload capability without impacting launch costs and even reducing them is one of the challenges to be addressed.

In addition, the lack of atmosphere will make possible also the transmission of this green energy to the lunar surface for various in-space applications e.g. In Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU).

Mastering all the necessary technologies for developing innovative in-space applications would support the EU strategic autonomy in the critical field of energy, green propulsion for in-space mobility, and in-space transportation.

Overall goal and specific objectives

The overall goal of this Challenge includes the development of technologies required for in-space energy harvesting and transmission, and of novel propulsion technologies that will use such harvested energy.

To achieve such a breakthrough, the scientific and technological challenges to be overcome are enormous, since there are many obstacles and bottlenecks requiring game-changing solutions. The proposals submitted to this Challenge should address at least one of the fields below. In particular, targeted research and development is necessary in order to come up with:

• Scalable solutions (e.g., solar energy harvesting antennas, on-board spacecraft photovoltaic cells) for in-orbit efficient solar energy collection and storage.
• Conversion of the harvested energy in a form, appropriate for transmission at long distances in empty space.
• Efficient wireless and secure power transmission of the transformed energy between in-space harvesting devices on spacecraft and re-translation stations or other final receivers. This may require a grid of re-transmitting stations, which not only amplify the wireless transmission, but also redirect the transmission as necessary.

Innovative green propulsion solutions for in-space mobility, resulting into low cost or eco-friendly innovative concepts.

Expected outcomes and impacts

This Challenge aims at developing and as such make related impacts in:

• Design and laboratory validation of concepts to develop technologies for energy harvesting in space e.g. in-space utilisation of this energy for transportation and other related research and innovation activities, in particular for cleaning space debris;
• Development and laboratory validation of breakthrough technologies for wireless power transmission of energy, e.g. through power grid, for energy beam pointing and control;
• Development of eco-friendly and innovative green propulsion solutions for in-space applications (e.g., spacecraft orbital corrections, in orbit satellite servicing, active debris removal, end-of-life services, etc.) addressing the barriers to the use of in-space solar energy for innovative propulsion.
• Use of innovative in-space robotic solutions for in-space manufacturing and assembly of space-based solar units.

The development of viable technologies in this area as a basis for space-based energy harvesting will significantly increase the EU strategic autonomy. The direct benefits will be potential fuel cost savings, in-space clean energy solutions and innovative in-space robotic and assembly solutions. Thus, encouraging in-space manufacturing and assembly with a wide range of applications (e.g. navigation, satcom, etc.) and are likely to result into spin-offs into terrestrial markets (e.g. robotics, electronics, etc.). Moreover, it will allow satellite owners to improve in-space mobility, extend the lifetime of their satellites, decommission their old satellites, and potentially generate fuel cost savings. Offering continuous energy and encouraging innovative green propulsion solutions for in-space applications contribute to European leadership in space clean energy, while increasing competitiveness and autonomy of EU space economy.

Specific conditions

The submitted proposals must follow interdisciplinary and cross-sectorial approaches, looking for inspiration, ideas, and knowledge in a broad range of disciplines. Space sustainability is of critical importance for Europe and therefore, submitted proposals should incorporate considerations for sustainable space debris management. The safe and sustainable use of non-critical raw materials is crucial, and the projects should include a full life cycle analysis of the proposed solutions and their impact on Europe’s decarbonisation goals.

For more details, see the EIC Work Programme 2023.