Spacecraft could make power from motion and dust in future: Study

A recent international study highlights Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) as a promising power solution for future space exploration. TENGs are lightweight devices that convert mechanical energy—such as vibrations, friction, planetary winds, and astronaut movements—into electrical power. Unlike traditional solar panels and batteries, which face significant challenges in space due to weight, temperature extremes, radiation, and limited sunlight, TENGs offer a radiation-hardened, compact, and foldable alternative. Constructed from space-grade materials like PTFE, graphene, and self-healing elastomers, these generators can withstand harsh conditions including Martian atmospheric pressure, high radiation doses (up to 10 kGy), and temperatures exceeding 260°C. Notably, intense UV radiation in space enhances TENG performance by increasing charge density significantly. The study demonstrates TENGs’ versatility in various applications, from powering sensors on parachutes enduring simulated Martian dust impacts to integrating into astronaut suits to generate power and wirelessly