TASCET-Technology to Activate Space Commercial Electric Themes
- Paper number
IAC-05-C3.1.09
- Author
Mr. Richard Dickinson, Off Earth-WPT, United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
A concept architecture is presented for an all-weather, all-season system of space power delivery to Earth. Key technology elements of the system are bi-directional power transmission devices and power relay using high-altitude airship platforms. A scenario for growth with incrementally larger economic returns is sketched out for the system. Wireless power transmission between space assets and the airships is by laser beam. Transmission between the airships and the Earth’s surface is via microwave beam. For beamed power safety reasons the narrow beamwidth laser wavelength is selected to be absorbed by the dense Earth’s atmosphere. Similarly, the microwave beams are purposely spread in beamwidth to reduce the power flux density, but are to be operated at frequencies selected to provide all-weather low-loss transmission. The system is proposed to be established and to grow in phases. The first phase is to establish the microwave powered high altitude power relay airships. Limited economic return is expected for carrying and powering auxiliary payloads aboard the platforms. Once the laser beaming capability is added to the airships, then the space-based assets are emplaced at GEO using the laser beams issuing from the airships. Additional economic return is expected for supporting other systems space launches via laser beam from the platforms and providing eclipse-bridging power to other systems orbiting assets. Further economic return will then be available by supplying limited but interrupted beamed power from space to Earth, which can commence once a GEO asset is placed in orbit. The interruptions are due to the annual Earth shadowing of the assets around the equinoxes. More economic return can be obtained from carrying payloads on the GEO platforms, especially those needing continuous electric power of high magnitude. The system can deliver power either from captured sunlight or laser power beamed from Earth. Continuous commercial electric power can finally be delivered to Earth once a fleet of solar-powered laser-beamers are in place to support one another during the eclipses. Copyright 2005 by OFF EARTH-WPT
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-C3.1.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.