US start-up Overview Energy tests wireless power transmission from an airplane

Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. Overview Energy wants to change that: The US start-up aims to supply the panels with light around the clock -- from space. The company claims to have recently successfully tested the necessary systems.

Overview Energy wants to launch satellites into space equipped with solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. Using this electricity, the company intends to generate laser light in the near-infrared spectrum. This light would then be sent to Earth via special optics, directed at solar installations, enabling them to generate power even in darkness.

The satellites are planned to be positioned in a geostationary orbit (GSO), approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth. At this altitude, the sun is practically visible at all times, allowing the solar panels on the satellites to generate electricity around the clock. The satellites will feature concentrators that reflect sunlight onto the photovoltaic modules to increase efficiency. A constellation of multiple satellites can supply various solar installations on Earth, according to the company.

Test in an airplane

In November, Overview Energy conducted its first test of the system, albeit not in space: the laser and optical system were mounted on a Cessna Caravan. At an altitude of over 5000 meters, the laser was directed at solar panels in flight to enable them to generate electricity, Overview Energy announced. This marks a world premiere.

The demonstration utilized the same system intended for later installation on satellites. This demonstration was “the final validation step before we deploy our system off-planet,” explained Overview Energy. The most challenging aspect has now been proven.

Overview Energy is not the only company exploring wireless power transmission from space. The concept is called space-based solar power (Weltraumgestützte Solarenergie, SBSP). Among others, the European Space Agency (ESA) is also working on this. The California Institute of Technology has launched a test satellite into space, which successfully transmitted power wirelessly in space for the first time early last year. According to a study by King's College London, SBSP could help Europe achieve its climate goals.

Overview Energy plans to test its system in space for the first time in 2028 with a demonstrator to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In 2029 and 2030, the first regular satellites are scheduled to launch and commence energy supply from GSO.

(wpl)