Space Solar Demonstrates Key In-Space Assembly Milestone with AlbaTRUSS Project Completion

Space Solar, the pioneering space-based solar power company, has successfully completed AlbaTRUSS, proof-of-concept project to demonstrate the feasibility of autonomous in-space assembly for solar power satellites. Delivered in partnership with UKAEA’s RACE robotics division and supported by the STFC Cross Cluster Proof of Concept grant, AlbaTRUSS provides critical validation of Space Solar’s modular robotic assembly approach- bringing the company one step closer to realising gigawatt-scale clean energy from orbit.

The AlbaTRUSS demonstrator showcased the successful robotic assembly of a scaled structural truss bay using dual-arm robotic manipulators at UKAEA’s advanced test facilities. This structural truss, or longeron, forms a core element of the ultra-lightweight satellite framework required to deploy Space Solar’s flagship CASSIOPeiA system.

“In a very short space of time, we’ve demonstrated a deliverable robotic assembly concept of large-scale structures in space,” said David Homfray, CTO at Space Solar. “AlbaTRUSS is a milestone not just for our satellite architecture – but for the future of large structures in space for everything from manufacturing, to datacentres, and energy infrastructure.”

AlbaTRUSS was designed to demonstrate the core truss assembly concept using Space Solar’s Transporter robots, while capturing critical insights to refine future autonomous assembly systems. The project also established a clear roadmap for larger-scale in-orbit demonstrators and deepened collaboration between Space Solar and UKAEA to strengthen the UK’s leadership in the rapidly growing In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) sector.

Space Solar’s modular satellite design requires large-scale structures – ultimately spanning over a kilometre in diameter but starting a hundred meters – to be assembled in space using robotic systems. By validating the assembly process in a real-world robotics lab using off-the-shelf and 3D printed components, AlbaTRUSS proves that Space Solar’s high-throughput, scalable approach is not only feasible but well-placed for rapid commercialisation.

Professor Rob Buckingham, Executive Director of UKAEA, said: “Building a machine as complicated as a fusion power plant on Earth, which will be entirely remotely operated, is similar to building structures in space. It could be a lunar station or a facility on Mars, so we’re talking about the future of humanity as well as ensuring energy security. “Working closely with people in adjacent fields is vital for UKAEA. By enabling new perspectives, it inspires our staff to think of different ways to solve challenges. It is hugely valuable to both parties.”

The successful delivery of AlbaTRUSS follows the recent completion of CASSiDi, Space Solar’s £1.7 million UK Space Agency and DESNZ-funded project that advanced the maturity of the CASSIOPeiA satellite and wireless power transmission system. Together, the two programmes position Space Solar as the global leader in space-based solar power.

“AlbaTRUSS gives policymakers a tangible view of how we’ll build solar power satellites at scale,” said Martin Soltau, Co-CEO of Space Solar. “It’s another major step on our journey to deliver continuous clean energy from space, providing affordable, resilient power for the UK and the world.”

Space Solar plans to commission its first 30MW demonstrator system by 2029 and reach full gigawatt-scale capacity by the early 2030s. With each satellite requiring extensive in-space assembly, AlbaTRUSS lays the groundwork for unlocking a multi-billion-pound ISAM market- bringing clean energy innovation and space infrastructure growth hand-in-hand.