Objective
Solar Power Satellite (SPS) is a huge satellite of a few km and several tons with solar cells and wireless power transfer unit in geosynchronous equatorial orbit. The generated electricity in the range of GW in the solar cells will be transmitted to ground via microwaves or laser wirelessly. Key technologies for the SPS are;
(1) a launch system to launch materials to the orbit;
(2) construction and maintenance of a huge space segment;
(3) power management in the range of GW in space plasma; and
(4) wireless power transfer technology via microwaves or laser.
In this activity, we focus on the (4).
Prior to implementing the SPS for Clean Energy supply to Earth—which remains a long term goal due to the associated high cost and upfront investment—enabling technologies can be investigated and developed for in-space applications, for instance to support exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Development of a system for lunar power applications may be considered a more immediate use case, as establishing a sustained power supply for lunar surface exploration for future industries is still a virgin territory.
This activity focuses on the WPT via microwave/millimetre waves. The technology status of the WPT via microwaves is considered TRL 5/6 and that of the WPT via millimetre waves is considered TRL 3/4 on ground. For the SPS development, the technology demonstration in space is essential and considered as the next crucial step. There were only three rocket experiments of the microwave WPT and until now, there has been no satellite experiment of the WPT via microwaves and millimetre waves in the world. Hence, we propose the development of millimetre waves WPT system for lunar rover explorations, including high efficiency WPT beam and antenna in millimetre waves (24 or 35 GHz) and high efficiency millimetre wave circuit of rectifier at receiver. The technology status of the proposal is TRL 2/3, and we estimate to reach a TRL 4 by validating the system in the relevant environment.
Contract number
4000135862
Programme
OSIP Idea Id
I-2020-05685
Related OSIP Campaign
Solar Power Satellites Campaign
Subcontractors
LUCERNE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND ARTS
Main application area
NEW
Budget
175000€
