The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is developing a project called SSPIDR (Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations
AFRL will design satellites thatequipped with innovative "sandwich panels" that will convert solar energy into radio frequency (RF) and radiate it to Earth. Down here, the receiving antennas will convert this RF energy into usable energy.
“For this purpose, a terrestrial solarbattery, but then we will be limited by its area, the size of the required collectors and the climate on the planet, the scientists noted. "But if the solar panels were in orbit, they could have unhindered access to the sun's rays, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of energy."
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These technologies will demonstrate orbitaldeploying a smaller version of the satellite with power transfer and will test ways to keep the satellite's temperature within a manageable range. The project is scheduled to launch in 2023 on a test facility on the International Space Station (ISS).
Scientists will also not just transfer energyto Earth, but will also help researchers assess the conversion efficiency of sunlight. The researchers note their "early results are promising."
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