Japanese scientists managed to transmit the energy wirelessly, as a first step that allows solar power plants in space. Researchers use microwaves to transmit power of 1.8 kilowatts through the air with a high degree of accuracy to the receiver as far as 55 meters. Although the distance is not far, but this technology could be opening the way for humans to harness solar energy available in space, said a spokesman for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
"It's the first time someone managed to transmit high power output with the size of almost two kilowatt via microwave to a small target, using smooth directivity control device," he said as quoted by Japan Today on Friday, March 13, 2015.
The spokesman said, JAXA for years have worked to design Space Solar Power Systems (SSPS). Solar power plants based space has more advantages over Earth-based, especially in terms of energy available permanently. Japan's latest research offers the possibility of using infinite source of energy in space.
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| JAXA's vision of a space solar power system (SSPS). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1BpYJBr) |
JAXA's spokesman said that the idea is there are the satellites to delivery of microwave which has the antennas and sunlight collector panels. This tool will be placed 36,000 kilometers from the Earth. "But it could take decades to realize the practical application of this technology, perhaps in 2040s or later," he said.
"There are a number of challenges that must be overcome, such as how to send a large structure into space, how to build it and how to maintain it," he continued. The idea of solar-based power generation in space appears between the US researchers in the 1960s, and SSPS program that financed by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry began in 2009. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JAXA | JAPAN TODAY]
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