UK experiment shows robots can build solar farms in space
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and space-tech startup Space Solar have demonstrated that robotic technology could build large-scale infrastructure in space without human intervention.
UKAEA is the UK’s national organisation responsible for the research and delivery of sustainable fusion energy.
The authority has partnered with Space Solar on the AlbaTRUSS project, which used remotely operated robotic arms to show that robots were capable of assembling gigawatt-scale solar power satellites in orbit.
Space Solar aims to harness solar energy in space to provide power to consumers on Earth, enabled by satellites that comprise hundreds of thousands of modular units assembled in orbit. These structures are designed to be several kilometres long and around 20 meters wide.
UKAEA said this successful demonstration opens the door to building vast infrastructure projects in orbit, such as data centres, energy farms, and even fusion power plants.
“The AlbaTRUSS project is a milestone not just for our satellite architecture, but for the future of large-scale structures in space, from data centres to energy infrastructure,” said Space Solar Co-CEO Dr Sam Adlen.
“Up in space, the sun shines 24-7. Once constructed, these satellites capture solar power and beam it back down to Earth in the form of microwaves, which can be received by antennas on the ground and converted into electricity for the grid.”
UKAEA executive director Rob Buckingham noted that the space robotics capabilities demonstrated in this project also applied to the possibility of building structures in space that are entirely remote-operated, including fusion power plants.
“Building a machine as complicated as a fusion power plant on Earth, which will be entirely remotely operated, is similar to building structures in space. It could be a lunar station or a facility on Mars, so we’re talking about the future of humanity as well as ensuring energy security,” Buckingham said.
“Working closely with people in adjacent fields is vital for UKAEA. By enabling new perspectives, it inspires our staff to think of different ways to solve challenges. It is hugely valuable to both parties.”
Space Solar plans to commission its first 30MW demonstrator system by 2029 and reach full gigawatt-scale capacity by the early 2030s.
