Solar power is a great source of alternative power – for the future it is likely to be relied upon more and more as we pursue greener forms of energy, as well as wind farms and hydroelectricity. Solar panels are a popular choice with homeowners looking for greener energy sources to power their own homes, and as well as the panels themselves, companies like this https://www.precisiongreenenergy.co.uk/renewables/solar-battery-storage can also provide solar battery storage so that you can save any excess energy that you have produced.

Although it is something that is seen as being fairly modern, in fact solar energy has been around for a while. As with many modern inventions and ideas, spacecraft were leading the way when it came to utilising solar power, and for decades various satellites have used solar power, as well of course as the international space station. Connecting to a power source in space is not possible, so being able to generate power is a requirement of a craft in space.

The first satellite that used solar power was launched way back in 1958. It was an American satellite that was named Vanguard I and this tiny unmanned space exploration vehicle powered its array of instruments using solar panels.

The Russian Soyuz spacecraft also used solar panels to power their missions throughout the 1960s, and at this time the USA moved away from solar power for spaceflight.

Nowadays, the SpaceX programme is once again harnessing the power of the sun and of course the International Space Station which also makes the most of solar power.