Microwave Power Beaming Strategies for Fractionated Spacecraft Systems

This paper addresses some issues concerning the application of microwave power beaming in a fractionated spacecraft environment. Some scenarios have been proposed and considered. In one scenario for example, power is distributed in free space from one "mother" spacecraft/satellite to multiple mini spacecraft/satellites in a dynamic environment, where the range and direction of transmission vary in time, and must be accounted for in the optimal energy transmission/distribution. This paper looks at various issues involved, including the type of transmitting antennas (reflectors/phased arrays), the mechanisms of redirecting and/or refocusing the single or multiple beams in the near to mid-field regions of the transmitting antenna. Receiving/rectifying antennas ("rectennas") and other issues of interest and relevance are identified and addressed. The feasibility range and areas of required improvement in terms of antenna elements and other components needed for efficient and robust performance are identified.