| Solar Panel Arrays |
Technology |
Photovoltaic arrays designed for space applications |
1995 |
NASA |
International Space Station |
Operational |
| Solar Sail |
Concept |
A spacecraft propulsion method using radiation pressure from stars |
2005 |
ISAS |
IKAROS |
Operational |
| Space Solar Power Satellite |
System |
A satellite designed to collect solar power and transmit it to Earth |
2020 |
NASA |
Power Generation |
Development |
| High-Efficiency Solar Cells |
Technology |
Solar cells with a conversion efficiency greater than 30% |
2016 |
NASA |
Various Space Missions |
Operational |
| Flexible Solar Arrays |
Technology |
Solar panels that can be rolled out and are lightweight |
2018 |
Lockheed Martin |
Lunar Missions |
In Development |
| Radiation-Hardened Solar Cells |
Technology |
Solar cells designed to withstand space radiation |
2010 |
JPL |
Mars Missions |
Operational |
| Solar-Powered CubeSats |
Technology |
Small satellites powered by solar energy |
2018 |
Various Universities |
Educational Research |
Operational |
| Deployable Solar Panels |
Technology |
Solar panels that can unfold once in space for maximum exposure |
2015 |
SunPower |
Satellite Power |
Operational |
| Concentrated Solar Power Technology |
Concept |
Using mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight for energy |
2020 |
Various Research Teams |
Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| Solar Thermal Propulsion System |
Technology |
Utilizing concentrated sunlight to heat a propellant |
2021 |
MIT |
Deep Space Exploration |
Research Stage |
| Photovoltaic Thermal Solar Collectors |
Technology |
Integrated systems for generating power and heat |
2019 |
ESA |
International Missions |
Operational |
| Nano-Solar Cells |
Technology |
Next-generation solar cells using nanotechnology |
2023 |
University of California |
Research Applications |
Research Stage |
| Lightweight Solar Panels |
Technology |
Solar panels designed for minimal weight for space applications |
2014 |
NASA |
Small Satellites |
Operational |
| Smart Solar Panels |
Technology |
Solar panels with integrated technology for efficiency tracking |
2022 |
MIT |
Earth and Space Applications |
Development |
| Solar Power Transmission Technology |
Innovative System |
Technology for transmitting solar energy back to Earth |
2019 |
NASA/ESA |
Power Generation |
Development |
| High-temperature Solar Thermal Collectors |
Technology |
Solar collectors that can operate at very high temperatures |
2021 |
Sandia Labs |
Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| Spectral Efficiency Optimization |
Technique |
Improving the efficiency of solar cells through spectral adjustments |
2022 |
Various Research Labs |
Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| Thin-film Solar Cells |
Technology |
Lightweight solar cells that can be fabricated on flexible substrates |
2017 |
NREL |
Various Space Applications |
Operational |
| Orbital Solar Farms |
Concept |
Giant arrays of solar panels placed in orbit |
2023 |
Various |
Energy Generation |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Rovers |
Technology |
Rovers powered by solar energy for planetary exploration |
2019 |
NASA |
Mars Exploration |
Operational |
| Advanced Silicon Solar Cells |
Technology |
Silicon-based solar cells with improved designs |
2015 |
NASA |
Various Space Missions |
Operational |
| Integrated Solar Solutions for Spacecraft |
Technology |
Designs that integrate solar technology into spacecraft structure |
2020 |
NASA |
Deep Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| Robotic Solar Panel Deployment |
Technology |
Robotics for deploying solar panels in orbit or on celestial bodies |
2022 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| High-Power Solar Arrays |
Technology |
Solar arrays capable of generating very high power outputs |
2021 |
Boeing |
Satellite Applications |
Operational |
| Space-Based Solar Power Research |
Research Initiative |
Investigations on the feasibility of solar power from space |
2023 |
DARPA |
Energy Solutions |
Research Stage |
| Autonomous Solar Positioning Systems |
Technology |
Systems that adjust solar panels based on sun location |
2022 |
MIT |
Earth and Space Applications |
Development |
| Micro Solar Cells |
Technology |
Very small solar cells for use in compact satellites |
2023 |
Lunar Gateway |
Lunar Missions |
Development |
| Thermal Protection for Solar Systems |
Technology |
Shielding for solar systems against extreme temperatures in space |
2021 |
NASA |
Deep Space Missions |
Operational |
| Advanced Photovoltaic Materials |
Research Topic |
Studies on materials to further enhance photovoltaic efficiency |
2023 |
Various Universities |
Space Applications |
Research Stage |
| High-Efficiency Multi-junction Solar Cells |
Technology |
Solar cells with multiple layers for increased absorption |
2014 |
NREL |
Deep Space Exploration |
Operational |
| Solar Charging Stations in Space |
Concept |
Stations designed to collect and supply solar energy in space |
2020 |
NASA |
Deep Space Missions |
In Development |
| Energy Storage for Solar Systems |
Technology |
Storage solutions for energy generated by solar systems in space |
2023 |
JPL |
Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Spacecraft |
Technology |
Spacecraft that rely solely on solar power for operations |
2017 |
NASA |
Various Missions |
Operational |
| Portable Solar Generators for Space Missions |
Innovation |
Generates electricity from the sun for portable use |
2022 |
Various Research Groups |
Mars Missions |
Operational |
| Satellite Solar Arrays with Heat Management |
Technology |
Solar arrays with integrated heat management systems |
2022 |
Northrop Grumman |
Satellite Operations |
Operational |
| Intelligent Solar Tracking Systems |
Technology |
Systems that track the sun to maximize energy collection |
2021 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Operational |
| Solar Energy Harvesters |
Device |
Devices that collect solar energy for various uses in space |
2020 |
ESA |
Space Applications |
Development |
| Hybrid Solar Technologies |
Concept |
Combining solar with other renewable technologies for efficiency |
2023 |
Various Institutions |
Energy Solutions |
Research Stage |
| Flexible Organic Solar Cells |
Technology |
Organic-based solar cells that are lightweight and flexible |
2018 |
Harvard University |
Space Applications |
Operational |
| Direct Solar Water Splitting Systems |
Technology |
Using solar energy to split water for generating hydrogen |
2023 |
NASA |
Energy Research |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Life Support Systems |
Concept |
Systems that support life and are powered by solar energy |
2021 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| Solar Usage Optimization Algorithms |
Technology |
Algorithms that improve the efficiency of solar energy systems |
2022 |
Several Institutes |
Energy Applications |
Research Stage |
| Enhanced Stability Solar Cells |
Technology |
Solar cells designed with improved stability for harsh environments |
2023 |
MIT |
Mars Missions |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Space Elevators |
Concept |
Elevators that would operate using energy gathered from solar power |
2020 |
Various Companies |
Theoretical Exploration |
Theoretical Stage |
| Coatings for Solar Panels to Resist Space Debris |
Technology |
Durable coatings that protect solar panels from debris |
2023 |
NASA |
Space Operations |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Space Logistics Systems |
Concept |
Using solar power for logistics in space operations |
2021 |
NASA |
Mission Support |
Research Stage |
| Biomimetic Solar Energy Systems |
Technology |
Systems modeling after natural processes for solar energy efficiency |
2023 |
Various |
Energy Applications |
Research Stage |
| Solar Powered Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems |
Concept |
Life support systems leveraging solar energy and biological processes |
2024 |
NASA |
Habitability in Space |
Theoretical Stage |
| Space Solar Power Transmission via Lasers |
Technology |
Using laser technology to transmit power to Earth from space |
2023 |
NASA |
Energy Solutions |
Research Stage |
| Space Habitat Solar Energy Systems |
Technology |
Solar energy systems designed for habitat setups in space |
2022 |
NASA |
Lunar Habitat |
Development |
| Solar-Powered Communication Systems |
Technology |
Communication systems in space that utilize solar energy |
2023 |
ESA |
Space Operations |
Development |
| Solar Battery Systems for Spacecraft |
Technology |
Batteries designed to be charged by solar energy in space |
2021 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Operational |
| Research on Perovskite Solar Cells for Space |
Research Initiative |
Exploring the potential of perovskite materials for solar cells |
2023 |
Stanford University |
Future Applications |
Research Stage |
| Integrated Solar Desalination Systems |
Concept |
Systems that use solar energy for water desalination in space |
2022 |
NASA |
Habitability Research |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Climate Monitoring Satellites |
Technology |
Satellites monitoring climate conditions solely on solar energy |
2023 |
NASA |
Environmental Monitoring |
Operational |
| Electrophotonic Solar Devices |
Technology |
Using advanced materials for solar energy conversion |
2024 |
Stanford University |
Research Applications |
Research Stage |
| High-Altitude Solar Platforms |
Concept |
Platforms in the stratosphere capturing solar energy for Earth use |
2023 |
Google X |
Experimental |
Research Stage |
| Radiant Energy Collection Systems |
Technology |
Systems capturing radiant energy from solar radiation |
2021 |
GE Research |
Energy Applications |
Operational |
| Solar-Powered Lunar Surface Operations |
Concept |
Operations on the lunar surface powered by solar systems |
2023 |
NASA |
Lunar Missions |
Development |
| Advanced Cooling for Space Solar Systems |
Technology |
Techniques for cooling solar panels in extreme space temperatures |
2024 |
University of Maryland |
Development |
NaN |
| Autonomous Solar Management Systems |
Technology |
Automated systems for managing solar energy capture and use |
2023 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Development |
| Solar-Powered Drones for Space Exploration |
Technology |
Drones powered by solar energy for planetary exploration |
2022 |
NASA |
Mars Missions |
Operational |
| Solar Paint for Space Applications |
Innovation |
Paint that generates solar energy when exposed to sunlight |
2024 |
University Research Group |
Future Applications |
Research Stage |
| Power Conversion Systems for Space Solar |
Technology |
Systems that convert solar power into usable energy formats |
2023 |
JPL |
Spacecraft Operations |
Operational |
| Bio-inspired Solar Systems |
Concept |
Solar systems inspired by biological processes and structures |
2023 |
Various Universities |
Energy Applications |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Telecommunication Satellites |
Technology |
Telecommunication satellites powered by solar energy |
2023 |
SpaceX |
Telecommunications |
Operational |
| Emerging Solar Technologies for Space Use |
Research Initiative |
Evaluating new technologies for solar applications in space |
2023 |
NASA |
Research and Development |
Research Stage |
| Laser-Based Solar Power Generation |
Technology |
Generating solar power using laser technology in space |
2022 |
NASA |
Energy Applications |
Research Stage |
| Deployable Solar Covers for Spacecraft |
Technology |
Covers that protect solar panels during launch and deployment |
2021 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Operational |
| Autonomous Systems for Solar Energy Monitoring |
Technology |
Systems that monitor solar energy output autonomously |
2022 |
NASA |
Space Operations |
Operational |
| High-Performance Space Solar Panels |
Technology |
Panels with advanced performance metrics for space missions |
2021 |
Northrop Grumman |
Satellite Applications |
Operational |
| Radiation Resistant Solar Cells |
Technology |
Solar cells specifically designed for extreme radiation environments |
2023 |
NASA |
Mars Missions |
Research Stage |
| Salinity Gradient Solar Energy Systems |
Innovation |
Using salinity gradients in conjunction with solar energy |
2024 |
Various Research Teams |
Energy Applications |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Environmental Sensors |
Technology |
Sensors that operate using solar power for environmental monitoring |
2022 |
NASA |
Earth and Space Missions |
Operational |
| Solar Charging for Spacecraft Batteries |
Technology |
Techniques to charge spacecraft batteries using solar energy |
2023 |
NASA |
Space Exploration |
Operational |
| Eco-friendly Solar Panels for Space |
Concept |
Solar panels made from environmentally friendly materials |
2022 |
Various Companies |
Sustainable Space Technology |
Research Stage |
| Solar Propulsion Systems for Spacecraft |
Technology |
Systems utilizing solar power for propulsion in space |
2022 |
NASA |
Exploration Missions |
Research Stage |
| Remote Solar Power Generation Systems |
Concept |
Systems generating power from remote solar resources in space |
2023 |
Various |
Energy Initiatives |
Theoretical Exploration |
| Solar Utilization in Planetary Bases |
Innovation |
Using solar energy in bases on the Moon or Mars |
2023 |
NASA |
Lunar and Martian Bases |
Development |
| Advanced Solar Cell Packaging for Space |
Technology |
Innovative packaging methods for solar cells in space missions |
2021 |
NASA |
Space Applications |
Operational |
| Solar-Powered Life Support for Mars Habitat |
Concept |
Life support systems powered by solar energy in Martian habitats |
2024 |
NASA |
Mars Missions |
Research Stage |
| Controlled Solar Energy Collection Systems |
Technology |
Systems regulating and optimizing solar energy collection |
2022 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Operational |
| Solar Thermal Energy Systems for Space Missions |
Concept |
Using solar thermal energy for power in space missions |
2021 |
NASA |
Exploration Missions |
Research Stage |
| Dynamic Solar Array Designs |
Innovation |
Innovative designs for solar arrays that enhance performance |
2023 |
JPL |
Mars Missions |
Development |
| Solar Energy Systems for Suborbital Flights |
Concept |
Using solar energy systems during suborbital spaceflights |
2022 |
Various Companies |
Testing and Research |
Research Stage |
| Thin-Film Technology for Space Solar Applications |
Technology |
Thin-film solar technology adapted for space environments |
2023 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Development |
| Hybrid Energy Systems for Spacecraft |
Innovation |
Combining solar and other energy sources for spacecraft |
2022 |
NASA |
Space Operations |
Research Stage |
| Solar Thermal Propulsion for Orbital Maneuvers |
Innovation |
Using solar thermal energy for specific orbital changes |
2024 |
NASA |
Deep Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| Solar Reflectors for Enhanced Energy Collection |
Device |
Mirrors that enhance sunlight capture for solar technologies |
2023 |
NASA |
Mission Applications |
Operational |
| Optical Enhancements for Solar Efficiency |
Research Topic |
Innovations enhancing the optical properties of solar systems |
2024 |
Various |
Space Applications |
Research Stage |
| Biodegradable Solar Panels for Future Missions |
Innovation |
Solar panels that are biodegradable for eco-friendly missions |
2024 |
Various Research Groups |
Future Space Applications |
Research Stage |
| Micro-Grid Systems for Solar Energy Management in Space |
Concept |
Micro-grids designed for managing solar energy in space environments |
2024 |
NASA |
Energy Research |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Autonomous Sensors for Mars |
Technology |
Sensors powered by solar energy specifically for Martian exploration |
2023 |
NASA |
Mars Missions |
Operational |
| Interplanetary Solar Energy Transfer Systems |
Concept |
Systems for transferring solar energy between celestial bodies |
2024 |
NASA |
Interplanetary Missions |
Theoretical Exploration |
| Lightweight Energy Harvesting Solutions |
Innovation |
Innovative methods for harvesting solar energy in space |
2023 |
Raytheon |
Satellite Operations |
Research Stage |
| All-Weather Solar Energy Systems |
Technology |
Solar energy systems designed to function under various weather conditions in space |
2022 |
NASA |
Space Applications |
Research Stage |
| Solar-Powered Water Recovery Systems |
Concept |
Systems for recovering water through solar energy methods |
2023 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Research Stage |
| Artificial Intelligence in Solar Energy Management |
Technology |
Using AI to improve solar energy management in space |
2023 |
NASA |
NASA Mars Missions |
Development |
| Solar Cell Innovations for Lunar Bases |
Research Area |
Research on solar cell applications for lunar bases |
2023 |
NASA |
Lunar Missions |
Research Stage |
| Advanced Algorithms for Solar Energy Maximization |
Technology |
Using algorithms to maximize solar energy output from systems |
2022 |
NASA |
Space Missions |
Development |
| Space Solar Energy Economics Study |
Research Project |
Examining the economics of solar energy utilization in space |
2023 |
NASA |
Theoretical Exploration |
Research Stage |
| Solar Synergy with Other Energy Sources |
Concept |
Investigating synergy between solar and other renewable sources in space missions |
2024 |
Various |
Energy Research |
Research Stage |
| Resilient Solar Energy Systems for Space |
Technology |
Creating robust solar systems designed for extreme space conditions |
2022 |
NASA |
Long-Term Missions |
Research Stage |
| Solar Energy Research for Future Space Habitats |
Research Initiative |
Long-term studies on solar energy for future space habitats |
2023 |
NASA |
Habitability Studies |
Research Stage |