Japan comes closer to beaming solar power from SPACE: Mitsubishi makes breakthrough in sending energy wirelessly
- Microwaves delivered 1.8 kw of power - enough to run an electric kettle
-Power was sent through the air with to a receiver 170ft (55 metres) away
- Technology may someday help tap vast solar energy available in space
-Jaxa's plan is to eventually have sunlight-gathering panels and antennae set up about 22,300 miles (36,000km) from the Earth
Japanese scientists have successfully transmitted energy wirelessly in a breakthrough that could pave the way for space-based solar power systems.
Mitsubishi researchers used microwaves to deliver 1.8 kilowatts of power - enough to run an electric kettle - through the air with pinpoint accuracy to a receiver 170ft (55 metres) away.
While the distance was relatively small, the technology could someday pave the way for mankind to tap the vast amount of solar energy available in space and use it here on Earth.
'This was the first time anyone has managed to send a high output of nearly two kilowatts of electric power via microwaves to a small target, using a delicate directivity control device,' said a spokesman for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) said.
The test, which took place at Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works in Nagoya, Japan, will help Jaxa devise its long-awaited space solar power system....
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Two whole kilowatts!? (well not quite). I always wondered what the unintended consequences of beaming terrawatts of concentrated energy through our atmosphere would be, though not something I'll be losing sleep over.