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ESA seeks innovative ideas on space solar power

Artist’s concept of solar power satellite. Credits: John Mankins / Forbes

The European Space Agency is soliciting submission of abstracts on ideas for development of space-based solar power that would address some of the technological bottlenecks preventing feasible realization. In a campaign for new ideas under its Open Space Innovation Platform, the Agency is seeking novel proposals for space-based solar power systems for applications on the Earth, Moon or Mars. They also are seeking methods of scaling and integrating space-based solar power into energy grids, in-space construction techniques and early in-space demonstration concepts.

Awards of 90,000€, 100,000€ or 175,000€ are being offered for ideas that would be implemented as co-funded research, system studies or early technology demonstrations, respectively.

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ESA solicits input for European Large Logistic Lander

An artist’s impression of astronauts unloading cargo from ESA’s European Large Logistic Lander. Image courtesy of ESA

In a video message from Jan Wörner, Director General, ESA is asking for ideas on how the agency’s new lander can explore the Moon in the late 2020s. Of particular interest are suggestions for strategies on for the best approaches to science, space resources and technology.

Diagram depicting the timeline and process for idea selection. Image courtesy of ESA

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ESA laying plans for lunar resource prospecting

The European Space Agency is developing a drill and analysis package called Prospect designed to extract water from lunar regolith. The miniature laboratory will fly to the Moon on Luna-27, a Russian spacecraft. Landing site selection is underway but no target date for the mission has been set.