A major advancement in laser technology, spearheaded by a Scottish university, is set to revolutionise space exploration by potentially powering missions to Mars and offering a sustainable energy solution on Earth.
This innovation is being developed by a global consortium, with contributions from scientists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
The concept is modelled after the natural process of photosynthesis in plants and bacteria, which converts sunlight into chemical energy.
The goal is to harness the light-capturing capabilities of certain photosynthetic bacteria to enhance the energy output of sunlight, transforming it into laser light for space transmission.
Researchers are also exploring the possibility of using organic materials instead of fragile artificial parts, which could allow for the regeneration of these lasers in space, eliminating the need for constant resupply from Earth.
Unlike conventional semiconductor solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, this process would not rely on any electronic components.
The project – named APACE – is initially focusing on laboratory development before testing and refining its suitability for use in space.
Successful implementation could enable global space agencies to power space missions, including lunar outposts and Mars explorations, while also introducing a novel method for transmitting clean, wireless energy back to Earth.
Professor Erik Gauger, from the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt, said the technology was potentially a “breakthrough in space power”.
He commented:
“Sustainable generation of power in space, without relying on perishable components sent from Earth, represents a big challenge.
Yet, living organisms are experts at being self-sufficient and harnessing self-assembly.
Our project not only takes biological inspiration but goes one step beyond by piggybacking on functionality that already exists in the photosynthetic machinery of bacteria to achieve a breakthrough in space power.
Our APACE project aims to create a new type of laser powered by sunlight.
“This technology has the potential to revolutionise how we power space operations, making exploration more sustainable while also advancing clean energy technology here on Earth.
“All major space agencies have lunar or Mars missions in their plans, and we hope to help power them.”
The research team will initially focus on extracting and examining the natural light-capturing mechanisms from bacteria that thrive in low light environments.
These bacteria possess specialised molecular structures that are remarkably efficient at capturing and directing light, making them the most effective solar collectors in nature.
Additionally, the team will create synthetic versions of these structures and develop new laser materials compatible with both natural and synthetic light-harvesters.
The €4 million APACE project is jointly supported by the European Innovation Council and Innovate UK, a division of UK Research and Innovation, and brings together scientists from the UK, Italy, Germany, and Poland.
The initial prototype of this groundbreaking technology is anticipated to be ready for testing within the next three years.
