Northrop Grumman tested an energy beam guidance system to transmit electricity from space to Earth
Northrop Grumman was able to successfully test an energy beam guidance system. It will become the main element of the system for transmitting the Sun's energy from space to our planet.
Here's What We Know
The American manufacturer is developing an orbiting solar power plant. A successful test of the radio beam guidance system means that the company will be able to launch a prototype solar power plant into space in as little as three years.
Last year, Northrop Grumman created a panel capable of converting the sun's energy into electricity and the electricity itself into a radio beam. This allows energy to be transmitted over a distance, doing away with wires.
Such panels can be installed on simple satellites like solar panels. At the same time, no additional equipment is needed to point it at receivers on Earth. It's all thanks to electronics.
The U.S. military is interested in the technology. They believe that Northrop Grumman's system can supply energy to military bases and areas of natural disasters.
Source: SpaceNews