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New Diodes Could Power Satellites Using Night's Infrared

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are developing thermoradiative diodes that harvest Earth's infrared radiation at night.
The technology could provide auxiliary power for satellites during darkness and reduce reliance on heavy thermoelectric generators.
Prototypes currently generate minimal power, but ongoing work aims to improve efficiency and scalability.
U.S. Air Force funding supports improvements for low-Earth satellites, with commercial availability hoped within five years.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are developing thermoradiative diodes that harvest Earth's infrared radiation at night.
The technology could provide auxiliary power for satellites during darkness and reduce reliance on heavy thermoelectric generators.
Prototypes currently generate minimal power, but ongoing work aims to improve efficiency and scalability.
U.S. Air Force funding supports improvements for low-Earth satellites, with commercial availability hoped within five years.