A system for harvesting solar energy on a spacecraft includes a stiff substrate layer and a working layer disposed on the substrate layer to provide at least one of a photovoltaic or a reflective function. In a first operational state, the substrate layer is arranged as a tape spring to store potential energy which causes the substrate layer to uncoil and provide, in a second operational state, a photovoltaic module and/or a solar concentrator.

A method for capturing and deorbiting space debris includes: providing a space debris capturing device; deploying the space debris capturing device in planetary orbit; determining, via an onboard global positioning system unit, the position and orbit velocity of the space debris capturing device; receiving an initial target set including a first database of space debris targets that are within range of the space debris capturing device; performing a first algorithm to convert the initial target set to an accessible target set including a second database of space debris targets that are within range of the space debris capturing device, the second database is smaller than the first database; performing a second algorithm to convert the accessible target set to a final target set including a third database of space debris targets to be captured by the space debris capturing device, the third database is smaller than the second database; transferring the space debris capturing device to a position within a capture range of a first space debris target of the third database; capturing the first space debris target via a capture mechanism of the space debris capturing device; jettisoning the capture mechanism and the first captured space debris target into a decaying orbit; repeating the transferring, capturing, and jettisoning steps for all but a final one of the remaining space debris targets of the third database; and positioning the space debris capturing device and the final captured space debris target into a decaying orbit.

A method for capturing and deorbiting space debris includes: providing a space debris capturing device; deploying the space debris capturing device in planetary orbit; determining, via an onboard global positioning system unit, the position and orbit velocity of the space debris capturing device; receiving an initial target set including a first database of space debris targets that are within range of the space debris capturing device; performing a first algorithm to convert the initial target set to an accessible target set including a second database of space debris targets that are within range of the space debris capturing device, the second database is smaller than the first database; performing a second algorithm to convert the accessible target set to a final target set including a third database of space debris targets to be captured by the space debris capturing device, the third database is smaller than the second database; transferring the space debris capturing device to a position within a capture range of a first space debris target of the third database; capturing the first space debris target via a capture mechanism of the space debris capturing device; jettisoning the capture mechanism and the first captured space debris target into a decaying orbit; repeating the transferring, capturing, and jettisoning steps for all but a final one of the remaining space debris targets of the third database; and positioning the space debris capturing device and the final captured space debris target into a decaying orbit.

An airfoil body for an aircraft extending from an inner end to an outer end, and between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil body comprises an internal structure and an airfoil skin covering the internal structure. The skin has a pressure side and a suction side, and the suction side includes a light transmitting portion. The internal structure includes an array of transduce elements attached to a planar sheet with the airfoil body. The present disclosure further relates to wings and aerial vehicles.

An airfoil body for an aircraft extending from an inner end to an outer end, and between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil body comprises an internal structure and an airfoil skin covering the internal structure. The skin has a pressure side and a suction side, and the suction side includes a light transmitting portion. The internal structure includes an array of transduce elements attached to a planar sheet with the airfoil body. The present disclosure further relates to wings and aerial vehicles.

Trailer mounted portable solar power supplies disclosed can include lights and a backup generator. A solar array with solar panels can be connected to a 360 degree rotatable turntable mounted on a trailer frame enabling the capture of sunlight from all directions. A rotatable telescoping mast with mounted lights can be mounted to the trailer frame. Solar power supply systems can be configured with or without batteries. The AC voltage output can provide electricity for vehicles, homes, buildings, electric vehicles, etc. Portable solar power systems can implement multiple solar arrays to capture more sunlight and generate more electricity. The solar arrays and solar panels are foldable allowing the power system to be retracted for transport. The solar panels can also include sensors to control the positioning of the panels and turn the lights on and off by an onboard computer or wirelessly.

Trailer mounted portable solar power supplies disclosed can include lights and a backup generator. A solar array with solar panels can be connected to a 360 degree rotatable turntable mounted on a trailer frame enabling the capture of sunlight from all directions. A rotatable telescoping mast with mounted lights can be mounted to the trailer frame. Solar power supply systems can be configured with or without batteries. The AC voltage output can provide electricity for vehicles, homes, buildings, electric vehicles, etc. Portable solar power systems can implement multiple solar arrays to capture more sunlight and generate more electricity. The solar arrays and solar panels are foldable allowing the power system to be retracted for transport. The solar panels can also include sensors to control the positioning of the panels and turn the lights on and off by an onboard computer or wirelessly.

Foldable solar power systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a solar power system includes a support structure mounted to an intermediate bulk container (IBC) or other tank structure. A plurality of solar panels are mounted to the support structure. The support structure is movable between (a) a first configuration for storage and transport and (b) a second configuration for energy generation. In the first configuration, the solar panels are folded adjacent to a sidewall of the IBC. In the second configuration, the solar panels are opened/expanded and generally coplanar with one another. The solar panels can be aligned with a solar energy source in the second configuration to generate electrical energy. The IBC can be filled with a ballast material to anchor the solar panels in the second configuration.

Foldable solar power systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a solar power system includes a support structure mounted to an intermediate bulk container (IBC) or other tank structure. A plurality of solar panels are mounted to the support structure. The support structure is movable between (a) a first configuration for storage and transport and (b) a second configuration for energy generation. In the first configuration, the solar panels are folded adjacent to a sidewall of the IBC. In the second configuration, the solar panels are opened/expanded and generally coplanar with one another. The solar panels can be aligned with a solar energy source in the second configuration to generate electrical energy. The IBC can be filled with a ballast material to anchor the solar panels in the second configuration.

Provided is a power-generating apparatus comprising a box having a cavity and a lid, one or more solar panels disposed on the box, and one or more battery packs disposed within the cavity, where the one or more solar panels are configured to charge the one or more battery packs. The apparatus may further comprise a turbine configured to charge the one or more battery packs.