According to the British *Daily Mail*, U.S. Navy engineers have unveiled an ambitious and futuristic concept: harvesting energy beams from space. The plan involves deploying massive solar power modules in orbit that can collect solar energy and beam it down to Earth. This technology could potentially power military bases, remote locations, or even entire cities. Dr. Paul Jaffe, a spacecraft engineer at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, has already developed and tested two different module designs aimed at capturing and transmitting solar energy efficiently.
*US Navy experts recently designed a space-based solar device that focuses sunlight on the transmission of energy beams to the ground.*
The first design uses a "sandwich" module, where all the electronic components are enclosed between two square solar panels. The top panel is a photovoltaic cell that captures sunlight, while the middle layer converts the energy into wireless signals. The bottom part acts as an antenna, directing the energy toward specific targets on the ground.
These solar modules would be assembled in space by robotic systems and eventually form a large satellite with a diameter of about 1 kilometer. The second design, known as the "running" module, features a more open structure that allows for greater exposure to sunlight without overheating, making it more efficient.
Despite the promising potential, the U.S. Navy admits that the project still sounds like science fiction. Dr. Jaffe acknowledged that launching heavy components into space is extremely costly, so reducing weight is a key challenge. He stated that the sandwich module design is four times more efficient than previous models, which makes it a more viable option for future development.
In addition to the sandwich design, Jaffe has also explored a ladder-like module to address thermal issues. This new configuration is currently being patented and features a zigzag structure that allows solar panels to absorb more light without overheating, improving overall efficiency.
While the technology is still in its early stages, the U.S. Navy's research could pave the way for a new era of clean, sustainable energy sourced from space. If successful, this innovation might revolutionize how we generate and distribute power across the globe.
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