Tanya Weaver Thu 29 May 2025
Collected at: https://eandt.theiet.org/2025/05/29/space-solar-and-ukaea-team-prove-robots-can-remotely-assemble-large-structures-space
Robotic technology could build infrastructure in space, paving the way for space-based data centres, solar farms and other megastructures, a project from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Space Solar has shown.
Space Solar, a UK-based space tech company pioneering space-based solar power, has used UKAEA’s test facilities for the robotic demonstrator project, called AlbaTRUSS.
The firm is currently developing a large-scale solar power satellite, CASSIOPeiA, that is able to generate electricity in space that can be beamed back to Earth using high-frequency radio waves.
“Up in space, the sun shines 24-7,” said Sam Adlen, co-CEO of Space Solar. “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.”
CASSIOPeiA is designed to be assembled in space using autonomous robots and carbon trusses.
For the AlbaTRUSS project, Space Solar used UKAEA’s facilities to test whether remotely operated dual-arm robotic technology could assemble such large-scale solar power satellites in space without human intervention.
These structures are designed to be several kilometres long and around 20 metres wide.
UKAEA, which is currently building the UK’s first prototype fusion energy power plant, the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), has its primary fusion research and testing facilities on Culham Campus, Oxfordshire.
The reason for using UKAEA’s facilities for this demonstration is that neither fusion or space robotics require oxygenated environments, and they can function in varying degrees of radiation.
Following the test, the AlbaTRUSS project proved that robots could assemble a scaled structural truss bay, or tubing called longeron, which forms a core element of the satellite’s framework.
Adlen said: “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.”
The UKAEA-Space Solar partnership intends to strengthen the UK’s leadership in the fast-growing in-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) sector.
Professor Rob Buckingham, executive director of UKAEA, said: “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 security.
“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 Solar plans to commission its first 30MW demonstrator system by 2029 and reach full gigawatt-scale capacity by the early 2030s.
E+T’s May/June 2025 issue included a feature about the environmental impact of the increase in satellites being launched into space.
There is also a recent E+T Off the Page podcast with Ray Fielding, head of sustainability at UK Space Agency, where he discusses whether the space industry is doing more harm than good.
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