Researchers from the University of Surrey collaborates with UK-based startup Space Power to develop the first in-orbit laser-based power beaming prototype for low Earth orbit satellites by 2023 with full commercialization plans by 2025. The new technology will use lasers to beam solar power from satellites under solar illumination to small satellites orbiting closer to Earth during an eclipse.
It is a $10.1 million-worth project funded by Space Research and Innovation Network for Technology (SPRINT) program. It provides unprecedented access to university facilities and space expertise and helps businesses through the commercial exploitation of space data and technologies.
Revolutionary Technology Will Use Lasers to Beam Power to Satellites During Eclipses
Powering Small Satellites All the Time
In a news release via EurekAlert! researchers explained the importance of wireless power beaming as a technology for space infrastructure that will provide auxiliary power for small satellites in low Earth orbit.
The new technology will be using the highly specialized laser laboratories and optical systems that are under development in the Department of Physics and Advanced Technology Institute of the University of Surrey. Both laboratories are known for being world leaders in developing and implementing laser and photovoltaic-based technologies.
If they are successful in making the new technology, Space Power's first product will be a plug-and-play technology installed in low Earth orbit satellites. Technologies such as these will allow for small satellites to function all the time, reducing the need for more satellites, costs, launch emissions, and space junk.
These problems slowly arise every year as humanity becomes more ambitious in space exploration and uses more small satellites. The power beaming prototype system follows an initial feasibility study of Space Power and the University of Surrey on using lasers to transmit power to satellites through the SME Innovation Voucher scheme.
They are set to investigate the benefits of pursuing the development of laser-based power beaming technology, develop it and gather data to design a prototype to test its capabilities.
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Why Use Lasers to Beam Solar Power?
The group of researchers led by Professor Stephen Sweeney at the University of Surrey has developed the highly specialized laser laboratories and optical system that will be used for the project, The Engineer reported.
Keval Dattani, director of Space Power, said that they are focusing on using light optics or lasers and power beaming because they are looking for providing twice to five times efficient power to the growing number of small satellites in space. He pointed out the desperate need for power to deliver necessary data to help tackle climate change, erosion, ocean pollution, and telecommunications at the expense of using large satellites.
These larger satellites are also more expensive and add to more and more layers of rare photovoltaics that only seek 5% of the power. This demand of Earth's limited resources is deemed an unsustainable strategy and humanity may soon see problems of orbital overpopulation and space debris.
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