The APACE project, funded by the European Innovation Council and Innovate U.K. with 476,000 euros, brings together researchers from the U.K., Germany, Italy, and Poland.

Led by Erik Gauger at Heriot Watt University, the project aims to reduce reliance on heavy solar arrays and complex electronics for satellite power.

Phase 1 of the APACE project focuses on laboratory-based concept validation, simulating space conditions to identify the most effective bacterial species for energy conversion.

Researchers will study extremophile bacteria with efficient molecular antennas to maximize sunlight absorption and enhance energy conversion for laser generation.

While organic solar arrays may convert only 10-15% of sunlight into power compared to traditional silicon panels' 30%, they offer the advantage of requiring no electrical components for energy conversion.

The project also explores the use of neodymium nano-crystals as a gain medium in the laser mechanism, where sunlight collected by bacteria's antennas initiates and sustains the laser.

The researchers propose utilizing solar-powered lasers based on bacterial photosynthetic structures to enable sustainable power generation in space.

Power beaming technology, which converts sunlight into lasers or microwaves, could extend satellite lifespans and provide energy to malfunctioning spacecraft.

In early 2023, successful tests of power-beaming technology were conducted, demonstrating the transmission of low-power microwaves from the Space Solar Power Demonstrator satellite to a Caltech ground station.

This technology has the potential to beam power to lunar or Martian bases, significantly reducing the costs associated with power delivery in space.

The long-term vision of the project includes scaling up the system by producing more bacteria in space, which could eliminate the need for heavy payload launches and reduce reliance on resupply missions from Earth.

The potential to cultivate these bacteria in space enhances sustainability by minimizing the frequency of resupply missions from Earth.