NASA's latest launch could power two homes with solar energy

Numerous spacecraft and satellites, including the International Space Station, the Mars rovers, and many others have utilised solar panels. They have established themselves as a dependable and effective source of power for spacecraft and have facilitated a number of research and exploration missions.

NASA's latest launch of Artemis I was no different.

In fact, Artemis I's solar panels harvested significantly more energy than researchers at the European Space Agency (ESA) expected. The panels were so effective that they actually generated 15% more power than projected.

Tests done during the lunar missions showed that the solar arrays could actually help power longer distance space flights. This could prove to be a key turning point for the future of space exploration by humans.

Usually built of lightweight, strong materials like silicon, solar panels aboard spacecraft are engineered to endure the severe conditions of space, including radiation, micrometeoroids, and extremely high temperatures.

In total, the Artemis I spacecraft had four solar arrays with the capacity to generate enough electricity to power two three-bedroom homes. Each solar array generates 11 kW of power and spans a whopping 63 feet (19 metres).

In order to maximise their exposure to sunlight, solar panels on spacecraft are normally installed on the exterior of the craft and pointed toward the sun. The solar panels on the spacecraft convert solar energy into electrical energy that powers the spacecraft and its systems while it orbits the Earth or travels across the solar system.

And what makes the solar arrays on the Artemis I unique is that they are able to rotate on two axes of rotation when typically solar panels only have one rotation axis. This allows the solar arrays to follow the sun more efficiently.

The use of solar panels has been increasing over time and they are now being used on almost all unmanned spacecraft including satellites, planetary probes, and interplanetary spacecraft. But despite space missions heavily relying on solar power, solar power is something that is also quickly becoming a pillar in our everyday lives here on Earth.

Whether we see solar panels on the roof of businesses, residential homes, or even cars — solar energy is disrupting the way we go about our lives. With the increasing trend of eco-friendliness, there is now a growing market for solar panels in the domestic market for households to place on roofs. People are now becoming aware about solar power as it is an alternative source of energy that can help them save money and has become a popular choice in homes around the world.

The entire supply chain of solar panels has been increasingly connecting manufacturers, local installers, and interested homeowners. Companies like GreenMatch have been helping thousands of homeowners in the UK get informed and find local solar panel installers to help go green.

But the push to get solar panels and other energy efficient systems have also made it to a governmental level. Many national governments provide grants, schemes, or subsidies for solar panels to help households transition from fossil fuel based systems.

Solar power is one of the most reliable, environmentally friendly energy sources out there. And with new technologies developed to make solar more portable and efficient, it is going to continue becoming an increasingly viable source of renewable energy. And it is always a good reminder that the power of solar is not confined to your roof—it is also utilised in space!

Despite the fact that space missions heavily rely on solar power, the technology was not created by NASA. However, they did invest in it early to bring about the successful advancement we now know. And as solar cell technology has improved, we have benefited from a variety of side goods, like solar-powered refrigerators, low-energy lights, hot water heating, and more.

Solar power has many benefits. It does not generate any pollution or greenhouse gases, and it can be implemented in a variety of ways. It is also considered one of the most promising alternative energy sources, as well as one of the most popular with consumers, and not just those in space. If you are interested in learning more about solar panels, continue reading this article on 12 things you probably don't know about solar panels.

By using solar panels, we can greatly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, produce and emit less harmful pollutants into the environment, and continue to further technology advancements to improve efficiency. As more cities install these panels and begin to harness the sun's energy, our reliance on fossil fuels will lessen from both an economic and environmental standpoint.

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