Robots could build infrastructure in space

The AlbaTRUSS project, carried out at UKAEA’s advanced test facilities on Culham Campus, Oxfordshire, leveraged remotely operated dual-arm robotic manipulators to show that robots could assemble gigawatt-scale solar power satellites.

The successful demonstration paves the way to building vast infrastructure projects in orbit, such as data centres and energy farms.

"The AlbaTRUSS project is a milestone not just for our satellite architecture, but for the future of large-scale structures in space, from data centres to energy infrastructure," said Dr Sam Adlen, Co-CEO of Space Solar.

Space Solar aims to harness abundant solar energy in space to provide power to energy-hungry consumers on Earth. Its space-based solar technology requires satellites comprised of hundreds of thousands of modular units to be put together in orbit.

“Up in space, the sun shines 24-7. Once constructed, these satellites capture solar power and beam it back down to Earth in the form of microwaves, which can be received by antennas on the ground and converted into electricity for the grid,” added Dr Adlen.

The structures are designed to be several kilometres long and around 20 metres wide.

AlbaTRUSS, a proof-of-concept project, has shown that robots could assemble a scaled structural truss bay, or tubing called longeron, which forms a core element of the satellite’s framework.  

Unlike the International Space Station – the largest structure built in space to date – most satellites are single structures or feature only small additional elements that must be deployed in space.

Using robots to remotely assemble, maintain and decommission infrastructure is more efficient and reduces the risks faced by astronauts.

Space Solar used UKAEA’s centre for Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) because fusion and space robotics have a number of things in common – they don’t require oxygenated environments and can function in varying degrees of radiation.

"Building a machine as complicated as a fusion power plant on Earth, which will be entirely remotely operated, is similar to building structures in space. It could be a lunar station or a facility on Mars, so we’re talking about the future of humanity as well as ensuring energy securitym" said Professor Rob Buckingham, Executive Director of UKAEA. "Working closely with people in adjacent fields is vital for UKAEA. By enabling new perspectives, it inspires our staff to think of different ways to solve challenges. It is hugely valuable to both parties."

Space-based solar power and fusion energy each have the potential to provide constant, low-carbon baseload energy around the world. This partnership demonstrates that the UK is leading on multiple fronts to develop new sustainable energy sources.

The UKAEA-Space Solar partnership intends to strengthen the UK’s leadership in the fast-growing In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) sector.  

“This achievement opens up new horizons for the space sector, an adjacent economic sphere that can ensure a bright future here on Earth,” concluded Dr Adlen.  

The AlbaTRUSS project was supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Proof of Concept grant.

Space Solar plans to commission its first 30MW demonstrator system by 2029 and reach full gigawatt-scale capacity by the early 2030s.