[Reading Science] An Aircraft That Uses Electricity Received from Space Is Coming

Airbus Successfully Demonstrates Space Solar Power Technology
Supplies Power via Microwave to House 36m Away
"Prototype Power Transmission Device Possible by Early 2030s"
"Used for Aircraft Operation Power Supply and Ground Transmission"

Conceptual diagram of NASA's space solar power station.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] When the microwave transmitter was turned on, the refrigerator in the experimental house 36 meters away, which had no power lines, lit up and the beer became cold.

This is a technology recently demonstrated by the European aerospace company Airbus through solar power generation and long-distance wireless power transmission technology. Airbus engineers confidently claim that they will create a prototype capable of transmitting power from space to Earth by the early 2030s. In particular, they plan to utilize their expertise to supply power to aircraft or use them as relay platforms. Attention is focused on whether space solar power generation technology, which has so far existed only in imagination, will reveal itself within the next decade.

According to Space.com on the 18th, Airbus succeeded in an experiment conducted in Germany last September in converting electricity generated by solar panels into microwave form and transmitting it to a receiver about 36 meters away. Although it was a short distance, Airbus developers expressed confidence that based on this technology, they could create a prototype capable of long-distance power transmission between the ground and orbit by the early 2030s. Yoan Tuwe, Airbus research project team leader, said, "We have successfully produced and tested a small-scale core element of a future space-based solar power system for the first time," adding, "We are ready to take the technology to the next level."

Airbus is especially researching ways to actively utilize aircraft by leveraging their 'expertise.' In other words, if power generated from space solar power plants is supplied to aircraft as a power source, it can reduce weight and enable long-duration flights without worrying about fuel anywhere and anytime. Additionally, aircraft can be used as intermediary devices to easily supply space solar power to various locations. This can be an appropriate means in cases of urgent demand at isolated military bases or island regions.

Jean-Dominique Coste, senior manager of Airbus's 'Blue Sky' division, explained, "It could change the market game by increasing aircraft range and reducing weight," adding, "Energy can be managed like data and power can be relayed to other places."

Space solar power involves placing satellites equipped with large solar panels and transmission devices in geostationary orbit to generate power and transmit it to Earth using microwaves or lasers. This idea can eliminate the use of fossil fuels and ultimately contribute to carbon neutrality. Solar power generation in space benefits from sunlight intensity 50-60% stronger than on the surface and no atmospheric scattering. It can generate power 24 hours a day regardless of weather. For solar cells of the same size and performance, it can produce about ten times more power than on the surface.

The challenges are technology and cost. Power transmission and reception technology is still under development. Also, to build a space solar power plant equivalent to a nuclear power plant in orbit outside Earth, solar panels about 2 km in diameter must be installed, which is difficult with current robot manufacturing technology. The enormous amount of cargo to be transported also makes the cost prohibitive.

Senior manager Coste said, "Power beam transmission technology will enable a new way of energy generation that can help solve energy problems," adding, "Even when transmitting power with microwave beams, it can be done without harming living organisms, and it has the advantage of distributing power worldwide without installing new ground-based infrastructure."

Meanwhile, besides Airbus, NASA and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) are competing to realize space solar power generation in the 2030s. South Korea is also conducting basic foundational research such as developing wireless power transmission and reception devices. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) plan to conduct experiments on ultra-small solar power generation satellites and power production and transmission within a few years.