System requirements for laser power beaming to geosynchronous satellites

Robert D. Neal; T. Stewart McKechnie; Daniel R. Neal

doi:10.1117/12.174183

1 May 1994 System requirements for laser power beaming to geosynchronous satellites

Robert D. Neal, T. Stewart McKechnie, Daniel R. Neal

Proceedings Volume 2121, Laser Power Beaming; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174183
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

Geosynchronous satellites use solar arrays as their primary source of electrical power. During earth eclipse, which occurs 90 times each year, the satellites are powered by batteries, but the heavy charge-discharge cycle decreases their life expectancy. By beaming laser power to satellites during the eclipses, satellite life expectancy can be significantly increased. In this paper, we investigate the basic system parameters and trade-offs of using reactor pumped laser technology to beam power from the Nevada Test Site. A first order argument is used to develop a consistent set of requirements for such a system.

Citation Download Citation

Robert D. Neal, T. Stewart McKechnie, and Daniel R. Neal "System requirements for laser power beaming to geosynchronous satellites", Proc. SPIE 2121, Laser Power Beaming, (1 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174183

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