The US Air Force (USAF) is developing space-based solar power beaming capability to meet the energy needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) missions.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is using high-efficiency solar cells to develop the technology.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The process involves collecting the sun’s energy, converting it to radiofrequency and then beaming it to Earth.
AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate director USAF colonel Eric Felt said: “Energy is a strategic enabler and potential vulnerability for our nation and our Department of Defense.
“To ensure DoD mission success we must have the energy we need at the right place at the right time.”
The capability could enable uninterrupted power to expeditionary forces in unimproved areas, including forward operating bases.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataFelt added: “The Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research (SSPIDR) Project is a very interesting concept that will enable us to capture solar energy in space and precisely beam it to where it is needed.
“SSPIDR is part of AFRL’s ‘big idea pipeline’ to ensure we continue to develop game-changing technologies for our airforce, DoD, nation, and world.”
Researchers at AFRL will develop and demonstrate technologies that can be incorporated into a conceptual space-based power transmission system.
The AFRL will be assisted in the project by Northrop Grumman, which has been contracted to deliver the critical hardware elements to support space-based experiments for the project.
The contract awarded to the company is worth more than $100m.
