Japanese researchers successfully tested space solar power generation technology, with the aircraft precisely transmitting microwaves to the ground, marking a crucial step towards delivering space solar power to Earth in the future.

The project, commissioned by the Japanese government, is being conducted by Japan Space Systems with the aim of transmitting solar energy generated in space back to Earth in the form of microwaves.

The research team, in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and several universities, conducted the first long-distance power transmission test in Zuisen City, Nagano Prefecture on Wednesday this week.

This test was primarily conducted to verify the accuracy of the microwave beam from the aircraft in hitting ground targets. The team installed a high-power transmitter on an aircraft at an altitude of 7,000 meters and directed microwaves towards 13 monitoring devices set up on the ground at approximately 10 cm square. The test results showed that the microwaves accurately hit the targets.

IT Home reported in 2023 that researchers are planning to set up fixed solar panels at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers in space, converting the generated electricity into microwaves for transmission back to Earth. This technology is expected to be put into practical application as early as 2045.

From - IT Home