In a groundbreaking development for space exploration, scientists have successfully created solar cells from simulated Moon dust, potentially offering a sustainable and efficient solution for powering future lunar missions. The innovative lunar regolith-based solar cells are capable of converting sunlight into energy with high efficiency, while also demonstrating strong resistance to radiation damage—a critical factor for long-term functionality in space environments. By utilizing materials already present on the Moon, the technology could drastically lower the cost and complexity of establishing lunar habitats and research stations. “The solar cells used in space now are amazing, reaching efficiencies of 30% to even 40%, but that efficiency comes with a price,” says lead researcher Felix Lang of the University of Potsdam, Germany. “If you cut the weight by 99%, you don’t need ultra-efficient 30% solar cells, you just make more of them on the Moon,” says Lang.