Definition of a servicable, reusable solar panel for sustainable spacecraft

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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