SSPIDR is a series of integrated demonstrations and technology maturation efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate to develop space-based solar power collection and transmission capabilities. Contact online >>
SSPIDR is a series of integrated demonstrations and technology maturation efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate to develop space-based solar power collection and transmission capabilities.
Space solar power beaming is not a new concept; yet until recently, the technology did not have a clear path forward. In collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and primary industry partner, Northrop Grumman, AFRL established the SSPIDR project to rapidly infuse space technological innovations in collecting solar energy to provide uninterrupted, assured, and logistically agile power to expeditionary forces.
The space solar power system that SSPIDR is developing will use a novel "sandwich tile". The tile collects solar energy in space via photovoltaic cells, converts the solar energy into Radio Frequency (RF) and beams it to a receiving antenna on the ground. The receiving antenna, or rectenna, will then rectify the RF beam into useable power. However, building an operational space power beaming system presents many challenges, and it is these challenges that SSPIDR is working to address.
The SSPIDR team examined the needs of an operational system and identified six critical technologies needing further research and development to make this system a reality. Scientists and engineers will explore these areas culminating in critical technology demonstrations that validate both the technology concepts and models for incorporation into an integrated system design.
The Space Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime (SPIRRAL) experiment will explore solutions to the thermal challenges experienced by a space solar power beaming system. One promising solution is Variable Emissivity Material (VEM), which reduces extreme temperature swings. SPIRRAL will be flying several samples of VEMs onboard the International Space Station and is slated to launch in MID-2023.
The keystone flight experiment in the SSPIDR project, Arachne, will demonstrate the sandwich tile and its ability to collect solar energy, convert it to RF, and beam it to a rectifying antenna on the ground from low earth orbit. A panel of nine sandwich tiles, under development by Northrop Grumman, will be flying on Arachne, which is expected to launch in 2025.
The Space Power INcremental DepLoyable Experiment (SPINDLE) will explore the deployable structures technology element. A space-based solar power transmission system will require large orbiting structures, which calls for a solution for how to stow, deploy, or possibly even build these structures in space. SPINDLE is currently undergoing ground demonstrations, which will determine the path forward.
The critical technologies driving the realization of a large scale system are Deployable Structures, Energy Generation, Thermal Management, Distributed Control, RF Beaming, and Metrology (beam forming). Additionally, SSPIDR pursues parallel technology paths – advancing multiple experimental possibilities to find the most innovative technological solution for further maturation efforts. These research advancements will feed into the development of the large-scale system.
AFRL''s main mission is to develop and mature technologies to benefit the warfighter. Ensuring that a forward operating base receives power is one of the most dangerous parts of a ground operation. Convoys and supply lines, which are major targets for adversaries, are the usual methods to supply power. To use the solar power beaming system, a service member would simply set up a rectifying antenna to gain access to power, eliminating costly and dangerous convoys. Essentially, AFRL is enabling the relocation of those supply lines to space, which could save countless lives.
There is a high possibility that this technology could be a highly valued asset in the commercial sector as well. Much like the Global Positioning System (GPS), which started out as a military asset and transitioned to a technology now used by people everywhere, this solar power beaming system could transition to broader usage, providing solar energy regardless of weather, time of day, or latitude.
The Sagamore Hill Solar Radio Observatory is a solar radio observatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts, that operates on a daily basis to obtain scientific observations of the Sun. It is a functional component of the Radio Solar Telescope Network (RSTN).[1]
The Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL) transferred operation of the observatory to the Air Force in October 1978.[3] The observatory is now officially Detachment 2, 2nd Weather Squadron of the 2nd Weather Group of the 557th Weather Wing. The 2nd Weather Squadron currently operates other RSTN observatories at Kaena Point, Hawaii; San Vito dei Normanni, Italy; and Learmonth, Western Australia.[1]
Instruments currently located at the Sagamore Hill RSTN site include the Radio Interference Monitoring Sets (RIMS) and the Solar Radio Spectrograph (SRS).[1] The RIMS system consists of three dishes observing at eight different frequencies, while the SRS system consists of two antennas observing two different frequency bands.
The site previously included a 150-foot fully steerable antenna, which was installed in 1963 and moved to Millstone Hill in Westford, Massachusetts in 1978. In 1967, this parabolic dish was used to receive data from the solar research satellite OV1-5, and to conduct ionospheric research by receiving transmissions from the Intelsat 1 and ATS-1 satellites.[4]
Arachne will use a commoditized ESPAStar platform for the spacecraft "bus." This bus offers six ports for various payloads, with Arachne''s main payload, the Space Solar Power RF Integrated Tile Experiment using four slots. SSPRITE, currently under development, will feature a deployable structure populated with an array of "sandwich tiles," comprising photovoltaics to collect solar energy, RF tiles to emit RF energy, and support electronics to enable the solar-to-RF conversion.
Arachne will serve as the first free-flying flight experiment needed to mature critical technologies deemed essential to building an operational solar power transmission system. These critical technologies include Energy Generation, RF Beaming, and Metrology – or the capability to form and focus the RF beam. Arachne will test different aspects of the power collection, conversion, and transmission across a wide range of spacecraft orientations with respect to the sun and the earth. The data collected will ultimately help inform the design of the large-scale system.
One of the most dangerous parts of ground operations is ensuring that a FOB receives power, a feat usually accomplished via convoys and supply lines, which become major targets for adversaries. To use this new system, service members would simply set up a rectenna and then have access to power, eliminating these costly and dangerous convoys. Essentially, AFRL is enabling the relocation of those supply lines to space, which could save countless lives. Arachne is one of the steps towards this goal, which ultimately delivers a technology that benefits our nation''s warfighters.
This technology could be a highly valued asset in the commercial sector as well. Much like the Global Positioning System or GPS, which started out as a military asset and transitioned to a technology that people around the world use every day, this solar power beaming system could transition to common use, providing solar energy to people regardless of weather, time of day or location.
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