Solar cells for space applications are typically designed to provide highest performance values at End of Life (EOL) conditions, meaning after a typical to be expected degradation due to particle irradiation and under a constant sun spectrum without perturbation by any atmosphere. Typically, these solar cells are used without modification also for Martian missions. However, due to the fact that the spectral conditions on Mars are significantly different from typical space missions, those solar cells are not at all optimised for providing highest performances.

Based on flexible PVA equipped blankets, solar array concepts are to be devised, which are low in cost and which can pack tightly into limited stowed volumes (target range 25-40 kW/m3).

With the current best knowledge, equipment such as Star-Trackers, RIUs, PCDUs, Batteries are elements of great uncertainty and for which the demise models need to be matured and validated. In some of these cases this may be related to lack of knowledge and validated models by test leading to conservative assumptions on materials used, modelling approach and break-up process these are units that may not demise in system level simulations (unlike what was indicated in previous studies).

Energy generation in Space poses a severe challenge, the answer to which may be the use of novel metamaterials for thermoelectric generators. Metamaterials can address this question by employing conventional materials and well-established fabrication technologies while leaving room for other approaches to increase the efficiency of thermoelectric generation. In the current study, we investigated possible configurations of metamaterials that could increase the efficiency of thermoelectric generators in Space.