What will the complex do?

The structure built at the university will collect solar energy on top and transmit it wirelessly (using antenna) to the ground from a distance of 55 meters.

The test complex is equipped with technologies for light concentration and photoelectric conversion, microwave energy conversion, transmission in the microwave range, signal optimization, measurement and control of microwave beam accuracy, and microwave reception and detection. The scientists will also study optimization of the radiation waveform and methods of transmission control.

The university group is developing the concept of generating and transmitting energy from space to Earth from geostatic orbit – the Orb-Shape Membrane Energy Gathering Array (SSPS OMEGA). China is also developing another concept for a solar power plant – Multi-Rotary (MR SPS), or a multi-turn station that will change the angle of the solar panels for optimum power generation.

Meanwhile, the China National Space Agency (CNSA) is running another project to transfer energy to Earth from orbit, where they plan to start working in space in 2028.

Successful technology test

It should be added that at the end of last year, experts from the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the military-industrial company Northrop Grumman carried out the first demonstration of key equipment for industrial power generation in Earth orbit as part of the Arachne project. Leaf panels with innovative components successfully converted solar energy into radio frequencies and transmitted it to a receiving device that could be found anywhere on Earth.

The panels themselves consist of photovoltaic cells that absorb solar energy, radio frequency tiles that emit radio energy beams, and electronics to convert solar energy into radio frequencies.

Arachne is scheduled to begin operating in orbit in 2025. Its purpose is to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to military bases located in remote areas.