Despite remarkable advancements in the space sector and the continuous enhancement of space technologies’ efficiency and reliability over the past decade, the issue of power supply continues to obstruct the progress of space activities. In order to enhance the sustainability and flexibility of space operations, Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) emerges as a compelling solution to reduce the size, weight, and cost of Electric Power Systems (EPS). The compactness and lightweight nature of laser systems stand out as their primary strength compared to other power supply options, making them well-suited for spacecraft and rover payloads.
SunCubes’ laser power beaming technology has the potential to enhance and enable future human exploration of other planets, particularly in harvesting and utilizing valuable resources. The demonstration of short-range power transmission on the lunar surface may also lead to other space applications, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient space operations.
Whilst using laser has many advantages it has one disadvantage to transmit energy: Currently the receiver operates with an efficiency with up to 50%, effectively converting near half of the received energy into usable power. Similarly, the laser component also operates at 45% efficiency. When these efficiencies are combined and calculated for the entire system, SunCubes achieves a total system efficiency of around 21%.
On Earth, SunCubes can revolutionize various industries with its innovative WPT technology. The Lucy system remotely charges infrastructure sensors, significantly reducing both the time and cost associated with sensor maintenance. Furthermore, SunCubes can transform drone operations by enabling in-flight recharging, drastically reducing downtime and enhancing efficiency for extended aerial tasks. This technology opens up new possibilities for drone applications, such as long-duration surveillance, mapping, and delivery services.
Having won the 2022 Switch2Product, the Bravo Innovation Hub, and gaining a spot in ESA Business Incubation Centers (BIC’s) two-year incubation program, SunCubes has proven its tech’s viability over 50m in a recent Proof of Concept (PoC). Following the Telespazio Technology Contest (T-Tec) success, it’s now planning further PoCs with Leonardo Spa testing the tech viability at 500m. As SunCubes continues to develop and refine its wireless power transmission technology, the startup could make significant contributions to space, satellite, and terrestrial industries.
Picture: SunCubes Lucy
Sources: SunCubes Web Page Technology https://www.suncubes.space/technology
Advanced space-to-space wireless power transmission system via laser https://iafastro.directory/iac/paper/id/76236/abstract-pdf/IAC-23,C3,2,5,x76236.brief.pdf?2023-08-17.09:58:17
Paper and Image Source:
Laser Power Beaming for Lunar Polar Exploration https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20205005063/downloads/Lunar-laser_beaming-AIAA_Paper%20Complete.pdf