An in-space wireless energy transmission experiment

Abstract

The concept for an orbiting power satellite capable of supplying the needs of several co-orbiting manufacturing satellites is similar to the central power station and distribution network found on Earth. An experiment for testing a portion of such an "Orbital Power and Light" space power utility system-a retrodirective phased array energy transmission system in space-is described. The experiment will demonstrate the ability of a wireless power transmission system to acquire and maintain a target in space. The experiment will consist of a planar phased array antenna on the Space Shuttle beaming to a target rectenna with a pilot guide beam on the free flying Wake Shield Facility (WSF).