Space Solar Power System
Receiving portion ©JAXA
The Space Solar Power System（SSPS）is an innovative energy system that generates electricity using sunlight in outer space and transmits that energy to Earth, where it can be utilized as electricity. This is a low-CO2 power generation system that leverages environmentally friendly natural energy. Unlike terrestrial solar power, SSPS can generate power consistently without being affected by day, night, or weather conditions, and it can produce approximately ten times the amount of electricity. IHI Aerospace is working towards the realization of SSPS by developing the key technology of microwave power transmission. Through SSPS, power is transmitted from satellites in orbit. There are several technical challenges, such as increasing output power, improving efficiency, and reducing weight, and we are steadily advancing research to address these challenges.
Ground Test Model of The PGTP
The Power Generation and Transmission Panel (PGTP) is a key component of the USEF 2006 model proposed for future SSPS. It integrates solar cells and a transmission device that converts generated electricity into microwaves for transmission, all in a panel form.From fiscal year 2019 to 2023, we developed and evaluated a ground test model of the PGTP. As a result of this evaluation, we confirmed that the panel possesses the required functionality and can transmit power using only the electricity generated by sunlight, achieving the initially planned development goals.
This development was conducted by IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd., under contract from Japan Space Systems as part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industryʼs “Research and Development Project for Improving the Efficiency of Wireless Power Transmission Technology in Space Solar Power Generation.”