SWELL is considered one of a number of experiments that may launch aboard the SpaceX Dragon cargo automobile to the ISS for the yearlong mission to gather knowledge throughout a laser energy beaming hyperlink in area circumstances. The experiment, which is sponsored by the Workplace of the Underneath Secretary of Protection for Acquisition & Sustainment (OUSD (A&S)) and supported by the Operational Power Functionality Enchancment Fund (OECIF), will discover challenges for energy beaming’s viability for area functions, and likewise spotlight the chances for utilizing energy beaming to handle vitality challenges on Earth.
“With this modest experiment, we’ll establish key focus areas for growing hyperlinks of higher energy and longer distance for area,” mentioned Paul Jaffe, Ph.D., Electronics Engineer and SWELL Principal Investigator. “By using laser transmitters and photovoltaic receivers, energy beaming hyperlinks shall be established that may pave the best way for fast, resilient, and versatile vitality supply methods.”
Energy beaming is a way of delivering vitality within the type of electromagnetic waves that doesn’t require the transport of mass, so vitality may be despatched virtually immediately. Its feasibility and security have been confirmed on the bottom, and now these efforts are increasing to area.
“That is the subsequent step in extending this functionality for area, lunar, and planetary functions,” mentioned Chris DePuma, SWELL Program Supervisor. “Energy beaming is poised as a vital enabler for energy distribution on the moon and elsewhere in area.”
The yearlong SWELL experiment ought to present knowledge that exhibits how the {hardware} capabilities within the area setting and present which constraints are prone to have an effect on the deployment of future operational methods.
By eliminating the necessity for transferring gas or batteries, or for stringing wires, SWELL might be a compelling possibility for the utilization of lunar sources and improvement on the Moon.
“Energy beaming may also be used for distributing energy for and round Earth, together with from satellites that acquire photo voltaic vitality in area,” Jaffe mentioned. “SWELL is the subsequent step into this new frontier.”
In regards to the U.S. Naval Analysis Laboratory
NRL is a scientific and engineering command devoted to analysis that drives progressive advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to area and within the data area. NRL is situated in Washington, D.C. with main discipline websites in Stennis House Heart, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs roughly 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and assist personnel.
For extra data, contact NRL Company Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@nrl.navy.mil.
