Engineering news
The Satellite Applications Catapult in Harwell, Oxfordshire, said it had “taken the first step” in the development of space-based solar power (SBSP) systems after securing almost £500,000 from the UK Space Agency.
The not-for-profit space innovation and technology company will use the money to kickstart SBSP research and development. In a working system, satellites in geostationary orbit would constantly harvest sunlight, converting it to low-power density microwaves to safely beam down to receiver stations on Earth. The satellites would have to be very large, measuring several kilometres across to generate the equivalent power of a typical nuclear power station. The same would be true for the collecting ‘rectennas’ on Earth.
The concept, first developed by Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky in the 1920s and also featured in the work of science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov, could enable constant solar power.
The Catapult project, which runs until March 2023, will complete three pieces of ‘enabling work’: investigating how to deliver a high-altitude demonstration of wireless power transmission, and simulating the power density effects of SBSP on satellites and aircraft; researching the tools needed for in-orbit servicing and manufacturing of modular structures, and producing prototypes; and investigating best practice engineering processes and creating a ‘regulatory roadmap’.
“This project is a vital first step in the development of a viable space-based solar power solution,” said Sam Adlen, chief strategy officer at the Satellite Applications Catapult.
“By funding SBSP, the UK Space Agency is demonstrating its commitment to this important future energy technology and that gives us a vital boost as we kickstart this work.
“The funding allows us to deliver many of the critical enabling elements to ensure we get the whole solution – from technology to environmental and regulatory aspects – right the first time. As the world races to achieve net zero, momentum is building globally, and nations looking for future energy security are closely watching the UK’s progress.”
Dr Mamatha Maheshwarappa, payload systems lead at the UK Space Agency, said: “Space based solar power has the exciting potential to provide sustainable energy, helping meet the government’s net zero target and provide energy security.
“We’re supporting SBSP at different stages to accelerate the technology developments. This funding will help the Satellite Applications Catapult investigate programme enablers and accelerators for the development of new sustainable energy technology from space.”
The total project value is £620,000, funded by a £465,000 grant from the UK Space Agency and a further contribution from the Satellite Applications Catapult of £155,000.
The novel system has received increasing attention, and investment, as governments and organisations explore new ways to tackle the increasingly urgent challenge of net zero.
In November 2022, wireless power transmission was demonstrated locally at the Airbus X-Works Innovation Factory in Munich. The work was highlighted by the European Space Agency, which plans to investigate key SBSP technologies through its Solaris Initiative.
In the same month, IMechE chief executive Dr Alice Bunn OBE told an audience at the Engineering Futures Aerospace and Defence webinar series that an “absolutely dramatic” decrease in space launch costs could make SBSP economically viable.
While many challenges remain before a working system is practical, Dr Bunn said that the system could become increasingly appealing as other energy sources such as wind and nuclear come under increasing pressure to provide more electricity as ‘net zero’ targets draw closer.
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