EIC Pathfinder Challenge: In-space solar energy harvesting for innovative space applications

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