Thermoplastic based carbon fiber structural batteries for space technologies

Space missions, particularly those targeted towards the Moon and Mars, require innovative solutions to address the challenges of limited resources, weight restrictions, and extended mission durations. Among these challenges, energy storage stands out as a critical factor, as conventional battery systems add significant mass and volume to spacecraft. This proposal aims to explore the utilization of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRT) composite structural batteries for repurposable space applications, offering a multifunctional solution that integrates structural integrity with energy storage capabilities. The proposed structural battery panels integrate energy storage functionality into the structural components of the spacecraft, thereby minimizing the additional space required for electrical storage while maximizing the available volume for payload. The structural battery panels used for the space vehicle can be repurposed after landing since the thermoplastic-based structural panels can be reshaped to build habitat frames without affecting the battery structure. If necessary, flexible solar cells can be integrated into the composite for energy harvesting. Small heating elements can also be integrated into the composite so that the stored battery power can be used to heat and repurpose the composite to the required shape.