Earlier this year, we reported on a machine boasting a high-efficiency laser that could be used to de-orbit high-risk space debris. Now, a professor of electrical and computer engineering has taken things one step further.
In addition to being able to redirect asteroids, Dr. Richard Fork’s space-bound system can be used to generate and deliver energy to spacecraft. The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) professor recently patented his technology.
Fork’s system relies on a number of spacecraft located within different Earth orbital paths. They’re capable of collecting energy from the sun, which powers lasers to deliver coherent light.
Commercial purpose
"The patent is significant in that it gives UAH an advantage in launching what may be the first enterprise designed to provide energy generated in space and delivered in space for commercial purposes, as well as for non-commercial applications of general interest, such as successfully redirecting asteroids or other objects that may threaten Earth," says Fork.
The professor’s system uses optical quantum phenomena to boost efficiency and ensure precision. "Sunlight does, of course, distribute energy in space,” he explains. “However, energy in the form of sunlight cannot be directed, delivered or concentrated nearly as precisely and efficiently, or at the peak energies that are maximally efficient for propulsive thrust, as can the coherent light generated by laser systems."
Transmission range
According to Fork, the transmission range of the generating system depends on the size of the optical system, which transmits and receives the light.
"For example, the maximum distance for efficient delivery using receiving and transmitting apertures of one meter radius and light of one micron wavelength is roughly equal to the radius of Earth, or about 6 megameters," he says. "This transmission distance increases quadratically with the radii of the transmitting and receiving apertures, which are assumed equal here.”
Delivering useful levels of power
Fork adds: "What we have found in our current examination of the problem are the simplest configurations that are required to satisfy our goal of an optically based power infrastructure in space. We essentially seek a means of delivering useful levels of power as coherent light anytime and anywhere."
The engineer says his project will likely be of interest to NASA, which provided some of the initial funding for the technology. "The underlying physical phenomena are non-trivial," he explains. "However, we believe we can clarify and evaluate a highly productive strategy we have in mind by exploring the basic phenomena here in our terrestrial laboratories at UAH given a year or so of adequate funding. I think that SpaceX and other companies might be interested in this patent, although that is speculation on my part at this time."
For more information about Fork’s system, visit UAH’s website.