Concepts for demonstration of wireless power transfer for Space-Based Solar Power

Space-Based Solar Power(SBSP) is a concept that has considerable potential to provide clean renewable energy. Increased population coupled with reduced natural resources represent a challenge to national and world security. The SBSP concept is to collect energy from the Sun in Earth orbit. The electrical energy is converted to microwave frequency for transmission to the surface of the Earth. There it is converted back into electricity for use. Potential usages are base-load power, fuel conversion or direct delivery to consumers in isolated locations. The available potential of solar energy is greater than energy in petroleum reserves. The primary issue is defining the path to development of SBSP capability. One of the key issues is demonstration of wireless power transfer.