Episode 130: Mobile solar powerbank for satellites in orbit

Space Power Ltd, founded in 2019, is developing a novel solution for contactless power delivery using high-intensity lasers to extend the lifespans of ageing satellites in space. I spoke with its founder, Keval Dattani, in Nicosia during Cospar2025.org. Some of the topics we covered include

• Satellites have shorter lifespans due to battery degradation and ageing solar panels.
• During eclipses, satellites panic and must switch off systems due to the loss of sunlight power.
• The SPL solution is a “second sun,” shining light onto panels to top up power quicker.
• SPL’s innovation is tuning the laser light to the exact “colours” that solar panels best absorb.
• This engineered light charges panels faster than 1.4 kW/m² from the natural, untuned sun.
• The power beam is universally compatible, working with any brand, material, or type of existing solar panel.
• Expensive lunar lander missions often last only weeks, failing to survive the super-cold lunar night.
• All this happens wirelessly, from a safe distance, using a powerful laser to transfer power.
• This solution could one day be used for interplanetary missions, including, for example, powering a lunar lander from lunar orbit to survive a lunar night.