Is Beaming Energy from Satellites to Electric Vehicles Feasible?

The idea of beaming power from satellites to Earth for electric vehicles (EVs), airplanes, and rockets has gained significant attention. However, such a technology presents numerous challenges and uncertainties that make it highly improbable at the current technological and economic standing.

Feasibility Studies for Spacecraft Powering

Two primary scenarios have been explored for beaming power from satellites:

Extraterrestrial Powering: For spacecraft moving away from Earth, the beam does not have to pass through the atmosphere. A high-energy density, tight beam, such as a powerful laser, can be used to target a relatively small collector on the spacecraft. However, this approach is primarily feasible for non-moving vehicles or spacecraft. The energy beam used must be highly precise and efficient, and it must not interact with the atmosphere or damage small objects. Earth-Based Powering: For fixed collectors on Earth, a relatively low energy density beam must be used, necessitating a large collector. This collector would be too large to be mounted on a moving vehicle, like an electric airplane or rocket. The energy beam must be safe and not interact with the atmosphere, capable of not harming small objects such as birds or aircraft passing through it.

The potential for using satellite power for electric airplanes, rockets, and other devices is another matter. At present, this idea is classified as:

Possible but Highly Challenging

While theoretically possible, this system is not practical due to several key factors:

Technological Challenges: Current efficiencies of wireless energy transfer would need to be increased by whole orders of magnitude. The technology and infrastructure required are far from being developed. Economic Constraints: Satellite launch costs would have to fall to a fraction of current costs, which is a distant possibility given the high expenses involved in launching satellites. Satellite-Based Targeting: Achieving precise targeting during the movement of objects like aircraft is extremely challenging. Mistiming the beam could lead to severe damage or destruction of the vehicles or other objects on the ground, posing a significant safety risk. Comparison to Existing Solutions: The energy systems studied for stationary locations have proven to be non-viable when applied to moving vehicles, adding another layer of complexity to the problem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the concept of beaming energy from satellites to electric vehicles, airplanes, and rockets is intriguing, it remains a highly theoretical and impractical scenario. The necessary advancements in technology, economic viability, and safety are currently far beyond our reach. Future developments and breakthroughs in wireless energy transfer and satellite technology will be required for this idea to move from the realm of possibility to practical reality.