The theoretical studies conducted in the project on the performance of spinning electrodynamic tethers highlighted the disroptuve potential that this propellant-less technology has in the space propulsion arena and, consequently, in applications like postmission disposal, space tugs, active debris removal and in-orbit servicing. Regarding the bare-photovoltaic tether, it is a device that combines electrodynamic and photovoltaic technologies to provide propulsion and power in a single device. Key needs after E.T.COMPACT includes increasing the TRL up to a flight model and the implementation of an in-orbit demonstration of the technologies.
The lightweight, modular 3D-printed compliant structure will decrease structure weight and free up capacity for payload. This can lengthen mission duration, support larger scientific instruments, or facilitate access to more costly launch slots. This is particularly relevant because approximately 2380 cubesats in the 6-16U range will be launched over the next five years. The market demands innovation in small satellite structures as decreasing satellite size makes volume constraints more critical than mass constraints. Routing cables between boards, sensors, and deployable elements becomes challenging, error-prone, and time-consuming and a 3D-printed compliant structures can simplify supply chains while providing flexibility in design.
The cathode being developed by TUD Dresden is a key element or the GMM and and also relevant for small scale satellites, due to their limited power, mass, and volume budget. Spacecraft require means to control their electric potential in reference to the atmospheric plasma, for which the here-developed cathode could be implemented. With some adjustments, the use for electrostatic sails or miniature ion thrusters can be another relevant application. The detailed comparison of different electron emitter technologies along with other application-oriented results is of interest for the electron emitter research community.
The deployment of PVK-based tandem devices in a two-terminal monolithic configuration addresses several key limitations of the current state of the art. In contrast to the more mature four-terminal architectures, the two-terminal approach minimizes optical parasitic absorption and reduces the need for external interconnections. Achieving a high-efficiency, large-area (≥15 cm²) flexible tandem module with PCE exceeding 15% would constitute a significant advancement over existing proof-of-concept demonstrations, which remain confined to laboratory-scale devices (<2 cm²).
The R+D in respect to CIGS optimisation can be transferred/optimised for novel applications that need a good efficiency under NIR illumination, such us tandem devices, luminescent solar concentrators and for wireless power transmission. The knowledge gain and expertise for a fabrication process for a flexible and elongated PV array have an impact on several use cases: Terrestrial applications for the rollable Tether could be in specialised BIPV applications with a similar form factor like the tether (PV shading systems, luminescent solar concentrators integrated into windows).
