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Wireless Power Transmission Options for Space Solar PowerSpace Solar Power (SSP). combined with Wireless Power Transmission (WPT), offers the far-term potential to solve major energy problems on Earth. In this paper WPT options using radio waves and light waves are considered for both long-term and near-term SSP applications. In the long-term, we aspire to beam energy to Earth from geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), or even from the moon. Accordingly, radio- and light- wave WPT options are compared through a wide range of criteria, each showing certain strengths. In the near-term. we plan to beam power over more moderate distances, but still stretch the limits of today's technology. For the near-term, a 100 kWe-class 'Power Plug' Satellite and a 10 kWe-class Lunar Polar Solar Power outpost are considered as the first steps in using these WPT options for SSP. By using SSP and WPT technology in near-term space science and exploration missions, we gain experience needed for sound decisions in designing and developing larger systems to send power from Space to Earth. Power Relay Satellites are also considered as a potential near- to mid-term means to transmit power from Earth to Space and back to distant receiving sites on Earth. This paper briefly considers microwave and laser beaming for an initial Power Relay Satellite system, and concludes that anticipated advancements in laser technology make laser-based concepts more attractive than microwave-based concepts. Social and economic considerations are briefly discussed, and a conceptual description for a laser-based system is offered for illustrative purposes. Continuing technological advances are needed if laser-based systems are to become practical and efficient or near- and far-term applications.
Document ID
20030002633
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Henley, M. W.
(Boeing Phantom Works United States)
Potter, Seth D.
(Boeing Phantom Works United States)
Howell, J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Mankins, J. C.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Fikes, John C.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Meeting Information
Meeting: 53rd International Astronautical Congress
Location: Houston, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: October 10, 2002
End Date: October 19, 2002
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-99147
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-99140
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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