What are the most promising solar PV applications in aerospace engineering?

1 Solar-powered aircraft

One of the most obvious and challenging applications of solar PV in aerospace engineering is the development of solar-powered aircraft, which can fly without using any fossil fuels or emitting any greenhouse gases. Solar-powered aircraft use solar panels mounted on their wings or fuselage to capture solar energy and store it in batteries or fuel cells, which power the electric motors and propellers. Solar-powered aircraft can potentially fly for long durations, even indefinitely, as long as they have enough sunlight and energy storage. Some examples of solar-powered aircraft include the Solar Impulse, which completed a round-the-world flight in 2016, and the Zephyr, which holds the record for the longest endurance flight of over 25 days.

2 Solar-electric propulsion

Another promising application of solar PV in aerospace engineering is the use of solar-electric propulsion (SEP) for spacecraft and satellites. SEP systems use solar arrays to generate electricity, which is then used to ionize and accelerate a propellant, such as xenon, to create thrust. SEP systems have several advantages over conventional chemical propulsion, such as higher specific impulse, lower mass, and longer lifespan. SEP systems can enable more efficient and flexible missions, such as deep space exploration, asteroid mining, and orbital maneuvering. Some examples of SEP systems include the Dawn spacecraft, which orbited two asteroids using SEP, and the Gateway, which is a planned lunar outpost that will use SEP for station keeping.

3 Solar thermal propulsion

A third promising application of solar PV in aerospace engineering is the use of solar thermal propulsion (STP) for high-speed aircraft and hypersonic vehicles. STP systems use solar concentrators to heat a propellant, such as hydrogen or methane, to very high temperatures, which then expands and exits through a nozzle, producing thrust. STP systems can achieve higher speeds and altitudes than conventional jet engines, and can also reduce fuel consumption and emissions. STP systems can enable faster and greener transportation, as well as novel applications, such as space tourism and military operations. Some examples of STP systems include the Hyshot project, which tested a scramjet engine powered by STP, and the Solar Thermal Aeroplane project, which aims to design a solar-powered hypersonic aircraft.

4 Solar sails

A fourth promising application of solar PV in aerospace engineering is the use of solar sails for interplanetary and interstellar travel. Solar sails are large and thin structures that reflect sunlight, creating a small but constant force that propels the spacecraft. Solar sails do not require any propellant or power source, and can accelerate indefinitely as long as they face the sun. Solar sails can enable low-cost and long-term missions, such as exploring the outer solar system, reaching nearby stars, and detecting gravitational waves. Some examples of solar sails include the IKAROS spacecraft, which was the first to demonstrate solar sailing, and the LightSail, which is a citizen-funded project to test solar sailing in Earth orbit.

6 Solar skins

A sixth promising application of solar PV in aerospace engineering is the use of solar skins for structural and aesthetic purposes. Solar skins are thin and flexible films that can be applied to any surface, such as wings, fuselage, or windows, to generate electricity from sunlight. Solar skins can improve the performance and appearance of aircraft and spacecraft, by reducing weight, drag, and noise, and by creating custom designs and colors. Solar skins can enable more innovative and sustainable design and engineering, as well as new functionalities, such as self-healing, self-cleaning, and adaptive camouflage. Some examples of solar skins include the SolarSkin, which can mimic any texture or pattern, and the SolarWindow, which can turn any window into a power generator.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?