Orbital Power Beaming for Extraterrestrial Exploration

Seth Potter (1), Dean Davis
The Boeing Company, El Segundo, California

(1) Associate Technical Fellow, Space and Intelligence Systems,
P.O. Box 92919, MCW-S12-W378, Los Angeles, CA 90009-2919


Abstract

Collecting solar energy in space for use on Earth has been considered for many years, but has been held back for cost reasons. However, there may be nearer-term uses for this technology in exploring the Moon, Mars, and other bodies in space. By collecting energy in space and beaming to assets on the surface of a planet, the mass needed to be landed on the planet's surface for power generation/collection may be decreased by lowering requirements on collector area, storage batteries, nuclear material, and shielding. Furthermore, waste heat can be dissipated in space. Lunar exploration may benefit through the ability to receive power on a solar array during the two-week-long lunar night. Mars polar exploration may benefit through the ability to receive power during the long Martian winter, when the sun is not visible. The availability of beamed power at laser wavelengths can facilitate base operations as well as propellant production from in situ resources.

Presented at ISDC 2011 - Huntsville. Paper (Permission Given to NSS to Publish) is vailable.