Scientists have created a solar panel that can regenerate itself in space
Scientists from the University of Sydney in Australia have developed a self-healing solar panel that can significantly extend the life of satellites in orbit. This is written by TechSpot.
The panel uses perovskite, a calcium-titanium oxide mineral that some call a “miracle material” due to its unique properties. Scientists have discovered that radiation damage to solar panels made of this material can be repaired by applying heat in a vacuum.
Testing on Earth has shown that damaged solar panels can recover 100% of their original efficiency when heated. And so it happened that the Sun is an ideal space heater.
The researchers now hope that the results of their work will lead to the development of low-cost, lightweight solar cells for future applications in space.
As you know, satellites have for decades relied on solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. But damage from certain types of radiation can cause them to lose up to 10% of their efficiency annually. So at this rate they will soon become unusable and turn into space junk.