Wireless power transmission technology development and demonstrations

Wireless power transmission (WPT) technology has been widely treated in recent years. A broad variety of applications has been investigated, from Earth to orbit, orbit to Earth, in-orbit and planetary ones, such as for Moon and Mars missions. The question of whether to use laser or microwave technology has been widely discussed. Beaming energy to spacecraft could provide an important space mission-economic potential. It promises significant reduction in the cost of access to space and increases the mission capabilities for in-space systems. For the future enhancement of International Space Station (ISS) capabilities and operational efficiency, the use of WPT technology has become part of technology research planning. An outlook in terms of future wireless power perspectives is given. The technology development philosophy as conceived at EADS-Space Transportation is described and includes main system demonstration missions. These demonstrations represent milestones in terms of technical capability verification on the way to solar power platforms in space. Ground test objectives, the definition, design and performance of a wireless power transmission system and the demonstration of the basic principles of power transmission and target acquisition, pointing and tracking are covered. The lessons learned and consequences of continuing this type of demonstration are outlined.