Wireless Power Transmission

Far-Field WPT from Solar Power Stations in GEO/LEO
In Association with

Detail

Wireless power transmission from space, often referred to as Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) or Space Solar Power (SSP), is a concept that involves capturing solar energy in space and transmitting it wirelessly to a location (usually envisaged as being the Earth) for various applications, including electricity generation. This futuristic idea has been explored as a potential solution to address energy demands on Earth while taking advantage of the consistent and abundant sunlight available in space. We believe that is is possible to utilize SBSP to provide an energy source for lunar habitats and other challenging environments in the Solar System.

Solar Energy Collection in Space

Solar energy in space is collected using solar panels or arrays placed on structures like satellites, space stations, or other platforms positioned in geostationary or other stable orbits. These solar panels are highly efficient due to the lack of atmospheric interference and the continuous exposure to sunlight.

Conversion to Microwaves or Lasers

The collected solar energy is then converted into microwave or laser beams. Microwaves or lasers are chosen for their ability to efficiently transmit energy over long distances and through the atmosphere without significant losses.

Wireless Transmission to Destination

The generated microwave or laser beams are directed toward receiving stations on Earth. These receiving stations, often located in remote or designated areas, are equipped with specialized antennas or collectors to capture the transmitted energy.

Conversion to Electricity

The captured microwave or laser energy is then converted back into electricity using rectifying antennas or photovoltaic cells. In the case of microwaves, rectifying antennas (also known as rectennas) convert the microwave energy directly into electricity. For laser-based systems, photovoltaic cells convert the received laser energy into electrical power.
The key advantages of wireless power transmission from space include the ability to collect solar energy continuously, irrespective of weather conditions and day-night cycles, and the potential to deliver power to remote or inaccessible regions, in our case the lunar surface. However, there are significant technical and economic challenges associated with implementing space-based solar power:

Our research and development in this field, and that of our partners, continues to explore ways to address these challenges and make space-based solar power a viable and sustainable energy solution for the future.