There are now new ways in which to test spacecraft before sending it into space to see how solar radiation will have an impact with thanks to a solar simulator that shines brighter than 21,700 suns. This fantastic light system has been developed by a team of researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and is housed at the Laboratory of Renewable Energy Science and Engineering in Switzerland (LRESE).
The system consists of 18 light sources that stretch across seven feet that are lit by Xenon bulbs. The actual luminous flux was measured at 21.7 m-2 when the beams were activated as is said to be the equivalent of 21,700 suns. Although it’s not the brightest system to be built, it is still pretty impressive and is about the same amount of energy the desert receives in one day.
The researchers are hoping that they can use this simulator in various applications such as for testing spacecraft before a flight to ensure it can withstand the immense temperatures. They are now working on a study that involves developing new ways to convert and store disposable energy.
A duplicate version of the machine can be found in Canberra, Australia and is an open source method, meaning it’s available to any interested researchers.
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