An international team of scientists, including researchers from Heriot-Watt University, is developing groundbreaking technology to harness solar energy for space travel. The €4 million APACE project, jointly funded by UKRI and the European Innovation Council, seeks to convert sunlight into laser beams for wireless power transmission, a solution that could support lunar bases, Mars missions, and sustainable energy needs on Earth.
The researchers aim to replicate the highly efficient photosynthetic processes of bacteria, which thrive in low-light conditions. By extracting the light-harvesting machinery of these organisms and creating artificial versions, the team plans to develop laser materials capable of distributing energy without reliance on electric components. This innovative approach could revolutionise power distribution in space and on Earth.
Professor Erik Gauger, leading theoretical modelling at Heriot-Watt, emphasised the challenges of creating durable, sustainable energy systems for space exploration. He described the bacteria’s ability to amplify sunlight as key to the project’s success. The team hopes to have a prototype ready for testing by 2027, marking a step forward in sustainable space technology.
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