Applications for space power by laser transmission

Geoffrey A. Landis

doi:10.1117/12.174188

1 May 1994 Applications for space power by laser transmission

Geoffrey A. Landis

Proceedings Volume 2121, Laser Power Beaming; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174188
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

A new method for providing power to space consists of using high-power cw lasers on the ground to beam power to photovoltaic receivers in space. Such large lasers could be located at cloud-free sites at one or more ground locations, and use large mirrors with adaptive optical correction to reduce the beam spread due to diffraction or atmospheric turbulence. This can result in lower requirements for battery storage, due to continuous illumination of arrays even during periods of shadow by the Earth, and higher power output, due to the higher efficiency of photovoltaic arrays under laser illumination compared to solar and the ability to achieve higher intensities of illumination. Applications include providing power for satellites during eclipse, providing power to resurrect satellites which are failing due to solar array degradation, powering orbital transfer vehicles or lunar transfer shuttles, and providing night power to a solar array on the moon.

Citation Download Citation

Geoffrey A. Landis "Applications for space power by laser transmission", Proc. SPIE 2121, Laser Power Beaming, (1 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174188

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