Definition of a servicable, reusable solar panel for sustainable spacecraft

今天，卫星被设计为一次性使用，之后它们被转移到“墓地轨道”，在地球大气层中燃烧，或被遗弃在原始轨道上，在那里它们成为空间碎片。这种对空间环境的利用是不可持续的。为了解决这个问题，需要新的解决方案，使卫星和其他航天器能够通过简化的维护和拆卸过程延长其使用寿命，以便在其他在轨组装项目中更换或重新使用部件。这将促进空间活动从线性向可持续循环经济模式的转变（伦纳德和威廉姆斯，2023年）。鉴于全球卫星产业在2016年的估计价值为3500亿美元，预计到2040年将超过1万亿美元，（摩根士丹利，2019），[][0]它提供了一个高科技和高价值的机会，该项目旨在发展这一想法，并为可重复使用的空间系统定义我们的第一个产品概念，这些系统可以在轨道这种航天器设计方法以前从未以系统的方式进行过，代表了实现空间可持续制造能力的关键技术进步。因此，这种实现空间可持续性的方法需要新技术，并针对目前新兴的在轨服务和制造市场。虽然这是一个高风险的机会，但它符合英国在全球技术领导地位方面的目标，并满足了特定的市场需求。该项目的产出将包括分析最新技术水平、初步系统概念化、系统工程分析以及根据该技术的可行性和当前市场驱动因素制定商业化计划。伦纳德，R.，威廉姆斯岛D.（2023）“_空间碎片循环经济的可行性_"，废物管理，2023年12月155日，摩根士丹利（2019年）“_新空间经济_"，可在：[https://www.morganstanley.com/Themes/global-space-economy][1]（访问日期：2023年3月28日）[0]：#_mecli_1 [1]：https：//www.morganstanley.com/Themes/global-space-economy

Today, satellites are designed to be single use, after which they are moved to "graveyard orbits", left to burn up in the Earth's atmosphere, or abandoned in their original orbits, where they become space debris. This use of the space environment is not sustainable. To address this, new solutions are needed to enable satellites and other spacecraft to extend their useful life through simplified maintenance and disassembly processes, such that parts can be replaced or reused in other on-orbit assembly projects. This will facilitate the transition of activities in space from a linear to a sustainable circular economy model (Leonard & Williams, 2023). Given the global satellite industry had an estimated value of $350bn in 2016 and is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2040 (Morgan Stanley, 2019),[][0] it presents a high-tech and high-value opportunity, commercially and to the UK economy.This project aims to develop this idea and define our first product concepts for reusable space systems that can be assembled and disassembled on orbit. This approach to spacecraft design has never been done before in a systematic way and represents a critical technological advancement towards sustainable manufacturing capabilities in space. As such, this approach to space sustainability requires new technologies and addresses a currently nascent market for in-orbit servicing and manufacture (IOSM). Although it is high risk opportunity, it is aligned with UK goals in global technology leadership and addresses a specific market need.The outputs of this project will include analysis of the state of the art, initial system conceptualisation, system engineering analyses and establishing a commercialisation plan based on the feasibility of this technology and the current market drivers.Leonard, R., Williams, I. D. (2023) "_Viability of a circular economy for space debris_", Waste Management, Vol 155, 2023Morgan Stanley (2019) "_The New Space Economy_", available at: [https://www.morganstanley.com/Themes/global-space-economy][1] (Accessed: 28 March 2023)[0]: #_msocom_1[1]: https://www.morganstanley.com/Themes/global-space-economy