Researchers at Xi’an University in China have reported significant advancements in the development of a space-based solar power station. This innovative system is designed to wirelessly charge drones and satellites while they are in flight.
The engineering team behind the Sun Chasing project successfully conducted tests on a ground prototype of the future orbital station. During these experiments, the system transmitted a stable power output of 143 watts to a drone flying at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour and at a distance of 30 meters from the transmitter.
Even more promising results were achieved with stationary objects. The engineers recorded an energy transfer efficiency of 20.8% when converting direct current to direct current, delivering a power output of 1180 watts at a distance of 100 meters.
Researcher Zhang Yiqun measures the intensity of light reflected onto photovoltaic solar cells as they hover in the air. (Photo: Xi’an University)
Project leader Professor Duan Baoyan stated that the team has successfully tackled a “very complex technical challenge.” The new antenna can simultaneously power multiple moving targets from a single transmitter.
This capability means that a single space station could supply electricity to numerous objects, including:
- swarm military drones;
- stratospheric aircraft;
- civilian and military emergency radars;
- ground vehicles in hard-to-reach areas.
The energy beam is transmitted using a powerful microwave antenna, with lightweight receivers on the drones capturing this energy with an efficiency of 88%.
Currently, engineers are focused on making these antennas smaller and lighter to facilitate future launches into orbit.
The creation of orbital fuel and energy stations has emerged as a new arena of competition between leading nations. While the U.S. Space Forces allocate millions of dollars to private companies for the development of chemical refueling stations using hydrazine in orbit, China is investing in environmentally friendly solar energy solutions.
American scientists from the California Institute of Technology have also initiated their own developments, launching their wireless energy transmission prototype, MAPLE, in 2023.
In contrast, the Chinese team has completed the construction of a full-scale ground verification system in Shaanxi Province. The next significant step for the Sun Chasing project will be official testing of the system in low Earth orbit.
Researchers at Xi'an University have made notable strides in developing a space solar power station capable of wirelessly charging drones and satellites. The project demonstrates advancements in energy transfer efficiency and aims for future testing in low Earth orbit.