China Advances Space-Based Solar Power for Drone Recharging
China Wants to Remotely Recharge ‘Drone Swarms’ From Orbit

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Researchers at Xidian University in Shaanxi, China, are developing a space-based solar power plant capable of wirelessly recharging drones in flight. Their prototype achieved 143 watts of power delivery to a moving drone and 1,180 watts to stationary targets. This technology could have significant civilian and military applications.
- 01The prototype solar power plant delivered 143 watts to a drone flying at 30 kilometers per hour from 30 meters away.
- 02Wireless power transmission efficiency improved from 15.05% to 20.8% in recent tests.
- 03The system can now deliver power to multiple moving targets simultaneously.
- 04Future plans include conducting tests in orbit to further validate the technology.
- 05The project has potential applications in disaster relief, military operations, and powering drone swarms.
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Researchers at Xidian University in Shaanxi, China, are making strides in space-based solar power technology with their 'Sun Chasing' project. They recently announced a successful test where their prototype solar power plant delivered 143 watts of power to a drone flying at 30 kilometers per hour from a distance of 30 meters. Additionally, the system achieved a wireless power transmission efficiency of 20.8%, a significant improvement from previous tests. This technology aims to enable drones to be recharged while in flight, with potential applications in both civilian and military sectors, including disaster relief and military emergency operations. The team, led by Professor Duan Baoyan, has overcome challenges in powering multiple moving targets simultaneously and is now preparing for tests in orbit. The advancements in this field are not unique to China, as researchers in the United States are also exploring similar technologies. However, the Sun Chasing project represents a significant step forward in the race for sustainable energy solutions in space.
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This technology could enhance disaster response capabilities and military operations by providing a reliable power source for drones in remote areas.
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