ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Solar panels on spacecraft

Hey kiddo! Do you know what spacecraft are? They are like special vehicles that we send into outer space to explore and study different things like planets, stars, and even galaxies.

Now, just like how we need food to give us energy to do things, spacecraft need electricity to function properly. But in outer space, we cannot use the same kind of power sources that we use on Earth, like burning coal or using turbines. So, scientists came up with a clever idea - they decided to use the energy from the Sun that shines in space, to power up the spacecraft.

To do this, they use what's called as "solar panels" which are like special mirrors that can capture and transform the Sun's energy into electricity. When the Sun's rays hit the panels, they create a flow of electricity which is then stored in big batteries inside the spacecraft. This electricity is then used to run all the important systems on the spacecraft like the communication systems, cameras, sensors, and other instruments.

The solar panels are made up of tiny cells that are very good at capturing the Sun's energy. These cells are made up of very special materials that can absorb the Sun's rays without getting damaged. The panels are attached to the spacecraft like big wings, so that they can always face towards the Sun and capture as much energy as possible.

One of the amazing things about using solar panels on spacecraft is that they don't need any maintenance once they're up in space. They can capture energy from the Sun for years and years, without needing any refueling or repairs. Isn't that cool?

So, the next time you hear about a spacecraft exploring space, just remember that it's powered by the Sun's energy captured by its solar panels. Cool, right?