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How feasible is laser power beaming for spacecraft in low Earth orbit?

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Spacecraft need power to operate their systems and communicate with Earth. But how can they generate enough electricity in the harsh and remote space environment? One possible solution is laser power beaming, a technology that uses lasers to transmit energy from a ground station to a receiver on a spacecraft. In this article, we will explore how feasible is laser power beaming for spacecraft in low Earth orbit, what are the benefits and challenges of this method, and what are some examples of current and future applications.

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1 How laser power beaming works

Laser power beaming is a form of wireless power transfer that uses a high-intensity laser beam to deliver energy to a target. The laser beam is emitted by a transmitter on the ground or in the air, and is focused by a telescope or a lens to a receiver on a spacecraft. The receiver converts the laser light into electrical power, either by using photovoltaic cells or by heating a fluid that drives a turbine. The receiver also has a retroreflector that sends back a signal to the transmitter, allowing it to adjust the beam alignment and intensity.

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Mark Chang

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This novel concept is ambitious, but feasible. Whether it is something that we want to have is a different question. The physics and engineering components are mature. The service that runs needs to be concerned with the entire system security, a significant undertaking but doable. Efficiency of energy transfer compared to the launch energy required and the overall lifetime of the componentry is questionable - is it too expensive to be worthwhile? The simplest arrangement, geosynchronous orbit, allows for 24/7 sunlight collection could be arranged (with cheap launch) to be a positive return on investment; making it more attractive than just building terrestrial systems will be a lot harder to do.

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2 Benefits of laser power beaming

Laser power beaming has several advantages over other methods of energy harvesting for spacecraft, such as solar panels or nuclear reactors. First, it can provide a continuous and reliable source of power, regardless of the orbit, weather, or time of day. Second, it can reduce the mass and size of the spacecraft, since it does not need to carry bulky batteries or fuel cells. Third, it can enable new missions and capabilities, such as longer-duration or higher-altitude orbits, or more powerful instruments and payloads.

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Mark Chang

Space domain relevant innovation
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For a space network, this type of system will be very attractive. Think of a refueling/recharging station in orbit - who would not want that to be part of the building blocks of a space economy?

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3 Challenges of laser power beaming

However, laser power beaming also faces some technical and practical challenges that limit its feasibility and efficiency. One of the main challenges is atmospheric attenuation, which means that the laser beam loses some of its energy and quality as it passes through the air, clouds, dust, or turbulence. Another challenge is beam safety, which means that the laser beam must not pose a risk to human eyes, aircraft, satellites, or wildlife. A third challenge is beam tracking, which means that the transmitter and the receiver must maintain a precise and stable alignment, despite the relative motion and vibration of the spacecraft.

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4 Examples of laser power beaming applications

Despite these challenges, laser power beaming has been tested and demonstrated in several experiments and projects, both on Earth and in space. For example, in 2003, NASA successfully beamed 10 watts of power to a small airplane flying at an altitude of 300 meters. In 2008, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) transmitted 1.8 kilowatts of power to a receiver on the ground from a helicopter flying at an altitude of 500 meters. In 2013, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) launched a CubeSat with a laser receiver that received 5 watts of power from a ground station. And in 2020, the Pentagon announced plans to develop a solar-powered satellite that could beam energy to military bases or disaster zones.

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5 Future prospects of laser power beaming

Laser power beaming is still a developing technology that requires more research and development to overcome its limitations and increase its performance. Some of the potential improvements include using higher-power lasers, larger-aperture telescopes, adaptive optics, multiple beams, or hybrid systems that combine laser power beaming with other energy sources. Moreover, laser power beaming could also have applications beyond spacecraft, such as for drones, vehicles, or remote sensors. Ultimately, laser power beaming could offer a new way of harnessing the abundant and renewable energy from space for various purposes on Earth and beyond.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How feasible is laser power beaming for spacecraft in low Earth orbit?

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1 How laser power beaming works

2 Benefits of laser power beaming

3 Challenges of laser power beaming

4 Examples of laser power beaming applications

5 Future prospects of laser power beaming

6 Here’s what else to consider

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