The same dirt that clings to astronauts' boots may one day keep their lights on. In a study published in Device, researchers created solar cells made out of simulated moon dust. The cells convert sunlight into energy efficiently, withstand radiation damage, and mitigate the need for transporting heavy materials into space, offering a potential solution to one of space exploration's biggest challenges: reliable energy sources.

In a study published in Device, researchers created solar cells made out of simulated moon dust. The cells convert sunlight into energy efficiently, withstand radiation damage, and mitigate the need for transporting heavy materials into space, offering a potential solution to one of space exploration’s biggest challenges: reliable energy sources.

  • Mossy Feathers (She/They)
    5·
    2 days ago

    They’d absolutely exploit it, but the technology necessary to exploit it would likely cause significant advancements that would likely filter back to Earth-side tech. It wouldn’t be the first time, laptops in their current form and cellphone cameras are two examples of tech originally developed for space. On top of that, the moon might not be as big as earth, but it’s still pretty big. It’d likely take a fair amount of effort to put a noticable dent in it.