The flexible solar panel developed using 3D printing technology by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia could provide a lightweight, reliable energy solution for future space missions and explorations.
The solar panel was launched into space on March 5 for testing. (Source: Space).
This solar panel, manufactured using 3D printing technology by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), was launched into space on March 5 to test its reliability as an energy source for future space missions.
The solar panel was sent into space during the Transporter-10 mission of SpaceX’s space exploration group aboard Optimus-1, the largest private satellite ever from Australia, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
Kimberly Clayfield, the director in charge of CSIRO’s space program, stated that the organization is evaluating the potential of using solar panels as a lightweight, high-efficiency energy source for future space missions.
According to Ms. Clayfield, the flexible solar panel developed by CSIRO using 3D printing technology could provide a lightweight, reliable energy solution for future space missions and explorations.
If testing shows performance similar to that demonstrated in the laboratory, this technology would offer significant advantages over traditional crystalline silicon-based solar panels.
Eight small solar panel modules were mounted on the surface of Optimus-1, produced by Australia’s Space Machines company.
The performance of this solar panel has been enhanced by perovskite, a mineral that is highly effective in converting sunlight into energy.
Anthony Chesman, head of CSIRO’s Renewable Energy Systems research team, expressed hope that this solar panel would not be damaged by solar radiation and would perform better than traditional solar panels when sunlight is not at its maximum intensity.
