US EditionSolar cells made of moon dust could power future space exploration
- In 2025, researchers made solar cells using simulated moon dust for space exploration.
- Scientists aim to replace Earth-made glass in solar cells with lunar regolith glass.
- The team paired moonglass with perovskite crystals, which are cheaper and efficient.
- Dr. Lang stated that cells with 99% less weight do not need 30% efficiency.
- These cells are more stable against radiation, potentially powering future lunar cities.
51 Articles
51 Articles
“Moonglass” could one day make solar panels to power lunar colonies
Researchers in Germany have recreated Moon dust to show that the lunar soil can be used to make glass for solar panels to power future human habitats on the Moon. Simulation of solar cell fabrication on the Moon. Credit: Sercan Özen. The production of solar cells from Moon dust is described in a paper published in the Cell Press journal Device. The team showed that the cells convert sunlight into energy efficiently while also being able to withs…
Solar panels made from moon dust could be used to power lunar bases
A 3D illustration of solar cell production using robots to gather raw moon dust Lunar travel could be revolutionised by solar panels made from dust which covers the moon’s surface, scientists say. German researchers melted a synthetic version of the moon’s loose surface debris into ‘moonglass’. They paired it with perovskite – a cheap, relatively easy-to-make crystal – to make a new kind of solar cell. The new technology isn’t as efficient as cu…
Scientists want to turn moon dust into solar panels
The case for having a permanent base on the moon as a staging point for space exploration has been made many times over the years. Actually constructing a real lunar facility presents numerous significant logistical challenges, not least of which is the genuinely astronomical cost of sending things into space. A new study published April 3 in the journal Device suggests that the answer to at least one lunar logistical challenge could, quite lite…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 68% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
