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U.S., Global Firms See Wireless Power as Gateway to Capitalizing on Space

March 13, 2015 Industry News
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Wireless Internet access is so commonplace these days it’s even offered at fast food restaurants. But recently, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency successfully completed what’s considered the Holy Grail of wireless transmission – electricity – and in doing so is perhaps opening up the technology for use by firms in the U.S. and beyond.

Wireless powerA JAXA spokesman recently told the Associated Press it has successfully transmitted 1.8 kilowatts a distance of 55 meters, or 170 feet, to a small target via microwaves. The agency used what the spokesman called “a delicate directivity control device” to accomplish the transmission. Though the use of microwaves to deliver electricity wirelessly has been a long-held scientific theory, it’s been proven only in limited laboratory settings.  JAXA’s success is the first time any researchers have been able to wirelessly send nearly two kilowatts of power a remarkable distance.

JAXA’s spokesman told the AP the agency hopes this successful transmission will help it continue to build upon its research into wireless power delivery. Eventually, the agency has the goal of harnessing alternative energy sources from outer space. One agency goal is to enable is the transmission of power from solar collectors orbiting the planet at altitudes over 20,000 feet. The power would feed into receiving stations on the ground, allowing for the use of potentially billions of kilowatts of power.

However, the technology will likely not be available anytime soon. As the JAXA spokesman told the AP, the technology’s practical use could occur by 2040. But its recent success will likely lead other groups to advance the wireless transmission of electricity as they look to capitalize on space-based technologies or existing microwave infrastructure. SpaceX, a private space firm based in the United States, has expressed interest in pursuing space-based technologies such as those described above. The company most recently received the contract to carry astronauts to the International Space Station, and has said it is looking to capitalize on space-based technologies.