It is possible to use a ground-based laser to beam light to the solar arrays of orbiting satellites, to a level sufficient to provide all or some of the operating power required. Near-term applications of this technology for providing supplemental power to existing satellites are discussed. Two missions with significant commercial pay-off are supplementing solar power for radiation-degraded arrays and providing satellite power during eclipse for satellites with failed batteries.
Laser beamed power: Satellite demonstration applications
Congress of the International Astronautical Federation ; 1992 ; Washington, DC, United States
1992-08-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Laser Beamed Power: Satellite Demonstration Applications
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