How Do Spacecraft Get Constant Power Supply in Space Orbits?
The space sector has been witnessing several technological advancements since the launch of the first satellite Sputnik in 1957.
There are several space applications for which different space exploration missions are planned, and the success of these missions entirely depends on the technology used in the spacecraft.
When a satellite or spacecraft is planned to launch into space, the initial preparation starts with the selection of an energy source to keep the mission going on and help it to meet its objectives.
So, it becomes critical to use power supply systems that are strong enough to withstand the challenging environments that might pose thermal fluctuations and radiations in space.
This article will be talking about the top three sources from which a spacecraft gets energy while it is in space.
What powers a spacecraft?
A spacecraft majorly gets its power from three sources, namely, batteries, unstable atoms, and the Sun.
To select the best power source among the available options, space experts consider the following factors:
· Place of the spacecraft for traveling
· Primary objectives of the mission
· Time duration it will need to complete the task
Spacecraft are loaded with several instruments such as cameras that allow space experts to collect information and click pictures in space. However, to do the same, spacecraft need an electricity source that is strong enough to be used in tough situations and power the instrument for sending data back to the Earth. Hence, the demand for a strong space power supply system has been the priority for the spacecraft in the present market.
Industry Overview of the Space Power Supply Market
The space sector is witnessing tremendous growth in the demand for satellites for several purposes such as communication, weather forecasting, navigation, satellites, and space science. The spacecraft gathering such information needs to go through several harsh conditions during the mission and needs a constant power supply to keep operating.
Due to the ongoing technological advancements in the space sector, and rising satellite launches, the demand for space power supply systems has become much more crucial. It is primarily due to the promising capabilities of the different space power supply systems that allow spacecraft to operate consistently without getting affected by hard conditions.
According to BIS Research, the global space power supply market is supposed to grow from a market value of $2,624.6 million in 2021 to $5,174.6 million in 2032, at a CAGR of 1.66% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.
The use of solar panels for space power supply is expected to lead to the generation of high revenues, with an approximate share of 33% in 2032. The market value of solar panel systems was at $945.1 million in 2021 and is expected to touch $1,697.6 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 0.28% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.
Common Power Supply for Spacecraft
- Solar Power
Solar power refers to the source of power from the Sun. Such satellites that are used for orbiting Earth are much closer to the Sun.
Due to such a short distance, satellites make use of solar power using the solar panels attached to the satellites. Solar panels help in converting sunlight into electricity that is used as a power supply for spacecraft. The spacecraft batteries also get charged from the electricity made using solar energy and help to operate when the spacecraft is not in direct contact with sunlight.
Did you know that the spacecraft launched for the Mars mission was designed with attached solar panels that kept it going without getting stuck in any difficult conditions? Mars’ Phoenix Lander and NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover were also equipped with solar panels for generating a constant power supply.
However, using solar power in every situation isn’t possible. The capabilities of solar panels are also limited and depend on the season, weather, and radiation conditions on the different planets. Exploring dusty, dark environments such as moon caves using solar energy is not possible. So, scientists have created other ways to keep the spacecraft consistently powered without facing any challenges.
One method is to use batteries that keep storing power from the electricity created using solar panels to be used by the spacecraft later.
- Power from Batteries
Sometimes, the time duration of the space missions is short.
For example, the mission time of the Huygens probe landed on the largest moon of Saturn was short. The time duration of this mission was only few hours. So, using the battery to provide power to the spacecraftsto get this job done was enough.
Spacecraft’s batteries are developed in a way that keeps them going even in the extremities of the space. The current spacecraft batteries have become much more advanced and are generally smaller in size, having long-lasting power.
- Power from Atoms
An atom refers to tiny blocks of matter present almost everywhere in the universe. Atoms store a high amount of energy to hold each other together. However, there are some atoms known as radioisotopes that cannot hold energy and keep falling apart.
When these atoms start falling apart, they release strong energy in the form of heat, which is used by the spacecraft for operating in space. The difference in temperature between the unstable atoms and the heat is used by the radioisotope power supply system for producing electricity.
NASA has used radioisotope power supply systems in several missions, such as the power mission to Pluto and Saturn.
Conclusion
There has been a sudden boost in the space activities such as satellite launches and the development of reusable launch systems. Due to such rising activities, the demand for space power supply systems has also grown tremendously over the last few decades.
In the coming years, advancements in the space power supply system are expected to allow space engineers and experts to reach the corners that still remain undiscovered and untouched.
