Innovative Thermal Device for Spacecrafts and Mars Rovers in Development by Northeastern University Researcher

A cutting-edge thermal device that harnesses wasted heat from space equipment and reflected sunlight to power spacecraft and Mars rovers is currently in development by a researcher at Northeastern University.

This innovative technology, commissioned by the U.S. Air Force, aims to convert otherwise wasted heat into a valuable energy source for use in outer space missions and exploration.

The project is a collaborative effort between Northeastern University and Faraday Technology Inc., an engineering technology company based in Ohio specializing in electrochemical applications for government and commercial clients.

Headed by an associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at Northeastern University, the Nano Energy Laboratory is at the forefront of developing this groundbreaking thermal device.

NASA is also involved in the research, with the Artemis campaign serving as a platform for testing the thermal management system designed for future manned missions to the Moon and Mars.

While traditional space energy sources rely heavily on solar power, this new technology offers the potential to supplement spacecraft energy needs by utilizing unused heat and sunlight that would otherwise dissipate into space.

The thermal device is designed to operate under extreme conditions, such as the frigid temperatures and vacuum of space, making it well-suited for prolonged space exploration on the Moon, Mars, and potentially beyond our galaxy.

By harnessing waste heat produced by electronics aboard spacecraft, the thermal device can extend the lifespan of both equipment and vessels by providing backup energy, crucial for long-term missions.

Utilizing advanced materials such as metamaterials and metasurfaces, the team aims to optimize the thermal absorber and emitter properties for efficient energy conversion.

Through the integration of nanotechnology, particularly refractory materials like tungsten known for their high melting points, the thermal device can withstand the harsh conditions of space and efficiently capture and convert energy.

With a focus on dynamic thermal, radiative, and optical properties, the research team is pushing the boundaries of material science to create a high-performance thermal device tailored for outer space applications.

This pioneering technology represents a significant step forward in sustainable energy solutions for space exploration, offering a promising alternative to traditional power sources for spacecraft and planetary rovers.