Caltech (California Institute of Technology) announced. It is working on a constellation of modular, carpet-like spacecraft that collect sunlight. They will transform it into electricity and then transmit it to Earth where it is needed. They will be space carpets to bring electricity.
Approaches
The project is called SSPP (Space-based Solar Power Project). It is led by Harry Atwater and other researchers. According to a Caltech release, three factors influence the harnessing of solar power in space:
- Atwater’s research group is designing ultralight, high-efficiency photovoltaics.These are materials that convert light into electricity. They are optimized for space conditions. They are compatible with an integrated modular power transmission and conversion system.
- Lightweight and low-cost technology will be used. It is needed to convert direct current energy into radio frequency energy.It is the one used to transmit cell phone signals, for example. It will reach Earth in the form of microwaves. The process is safe, they explain. The non-ionizing radiation on the surface is much less harmful than being in the sun. The system could be shut down quickly in case of damage or malfunction.
- Foldable, ultra-thin, ultra-lightweight, collapsible space structures are fabricated. They will have to support photovoltaic power. Also, the components needed to convert and transmit the energy to where it is needed.
Collecting energy
The basic unit of the system the researchers envision is a 10 by 10 centimeter mosaic. What would its weight be? Less than 2.8 grams, very light. Hundreds of thousands of such tiles would be combined into a system of flying satellites. Space carpets to bring electricity will thus be deployed.
With their deployment, they would create a sunlight-harvesting surface measuring 5.6 square kilometers. No less. Right now, they are working on a prototype test launch into space in December this year. One day you’ll power your cell phone… with electric power from outer space.
