Microwave power beaming from Earth-to-space

Abstract

The author presents an overview of the potential and limitations of microwave power transfer. He reviews state-of-the-art technology and the required hardware to implement such a system. Tradeoffs among frequency selection, atmospheric effects, orbital geometry and energy storage are discussed. Present hardware capabilities of ground station antennas, microwave power sources, and spacecraft receiving antennas such as large unfurlable and space erectable dishes, deployable rectennas, and tethered systems are also reviewed. It is concluded that on the basis of present technology, the efficient transfer of microwave power from Earth to a low-orbiting satellite is feasible.<>