Wireless Power Transmission and the Effect of its Development on Planetary Exploration

Nicola Soper International Space University SSP05 Mars Society Conference 5th August 2005

Introduction

History Technology Limitations Benefits and General Applications Near term Affects for Mars Exploration Long term affects for Mars Exploration Conclusions
Nicola Soper Mars Society Conference 2005

06/08/2005

History of WPT

Brief History

Nikola Telsa Experimented in 1899

Imagined a global wireless power distribution system

William Brown

Established microwave to electricity conversion

First NASA solar powered satellite 1958

Invention of the Solar Panel

Oil Crisis

NASA program

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Nicola Soper Mars Society Conference 2005

Technology

Solar Harnessing

Dynamic Power Generation via turbomachinery Photovoltaic Cells Microwave (Radio frequency) Laser (Infrared Frequency Alternative = Mirrors to focus direct sunlight

Beam Technology

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Nicola Soper Mars Society Conference 2005

Limitations

Cost Atmospheric and Weather Effects Safety Technical Maturity Legal

Article IV of Outer Space Treaty 1967???, is it a weapon of Mass Destruction? ABM Treaty Article II of Outer Space Treaty Non-Appropriation of space (protection) ENMOD convention
Nicola Soper Mars Society Conference 2005

06/08/2005

Benefits and Applications

In Orbit

Greater Intensity of Sunlight in Space Independence on Temporal Cycle - 99% time in Sunlight in GEO Not subject to dimming over day period Not subject to weather affects

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Nicola Soper Mars Society Conference 2005

Benefits and Applications

Greater Power per unit area Light weight deployable structures Alternative to Solar Arrays and Nuclear Power

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Some Applications

Global Energy Demand

50 x (5km squared panels) illuminated 99% time Direction Propellant heating Electric Power

Beamed Energy Transportation

Lunar Base, ISS, Satellite Constellation Commercial Applications

Tourism, Hotels etc.

Planetary Exploration and Colonisation Planetary Protection

Nicola Soper Mars Society Conference 2005

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Planetary Exploration - Near Term

Mission to Meridium Planum

Remote Locations Mass Advantages 24hr Power

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Nicola Soper Mars Society Conference 2005

Planetary Exploration - Long Term

Colonisation Exploration, Human and Robotic Multi Settlements Satellite Networks e.g. Communications, Remote Sensing, GPS etc. Planetary Protection Planetary Environmental Control
Nicola Soper Mars Society Conference 2005

06/08/2005

Thank you Any Questions?

Nicola Soper International Space University SSP05 Mars Society Conference 5th August 2005