Imagine a satellite that moves through space without needing a fuel tank, using a long conductive wire and the Earth's magnetic field instead. It's like a cosmic sail that catches invisible currents to push or pull the craft. To power this, the project uses ultra-thin, lightweight solar cells that act as both the energy source and the wire itself.
Satellites are limited by the amount of fuel they can carry and the weight of their power systems, which increases launch costs and limits mission lifespan.
A 3U propellant-less mobility module with reel-in/out capability and a bare-photovoltaic tether that combines energy harvesting with propulsion.
If you are a space tug operator dealing with high fuel costs for orbital maneuvers — this project developed a propellant-less mobility module that uses solar energy for thrust and drag. This allows for moving satellites without consuming limited chemical propellants.
If you are a SmallSat manufacturer dealing with heavy and expensive power systems — this project developed thin-film CIGS/Perovskite modules with a power-per-weight ratio larger than 50W/kg. This reduces the overall mass and cost of in-space solar panels.
If you are an active debris removal firm dealing with the difficulty of capturing and de-orbiting space junk — this project developed a miniaturized 3U mobility module with reel-in/reel-out tether capability. This enables efficient post-mission disposal and debris removal.
It reduces costs by eliminating the need for expensive chemical propellants and lowering the mass of solar panels through high power-per-weight ratios exceeding 50W/kg.
Based on available project data, the project includes specific activities focused on unit mass production and early commercialization to transition from lab to industry.
Based on available project data, the project is currently in the development phase aiming for TRL 4; specific licensing terms are not provided in the summary.
The system is designed as a miniaturized 3U mobility module that can be hosted on a 6U autonomous platform.
The project runs from 2024-10-01 to 2027-09-30, aiming to reach TRL 4 by the end of the period.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with a 57% industry ratio, comprising 4 industrial partners (including 3 SMEs) and 3 universities across 4 countries (AT, DE, ES, IT). This structure suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and manufacturing, rather than purely academic research.
Contact Universidad Carlos III de Madrid for technical specifications on the GMM and BPT modules.
Contact SciTransfer to connect with the E.T.COMPACT consortium for licensing opportunities.
