Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path
Patent
1977-10-20
1981-12-15
Barefoot, Galen L.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path
244173, 250215, 136292, 322 2R, 307149, 331DIG1, B64G 110
Patent
active
043055559
ABSTRACT:
A system for beaming solar energy from space to an earth location and putting it to useful work either as heat or light energy, or by converting it into some other form of energy such as steam or electrical power. In the system illustrated, a receiver satellite is in polar orbit and a relay satellite is in equatorial orbit, rotating with the earth and therefore stationary with respect to earth location. Solar energy is collected by the receiver satellite through an array of parabolic collectors and focused by a series of mirrors onto a coherent radiation energy generator, preferably a laser beam generator. The laser beam is directed by a mirror to another mirror on the relay satellite which redirects it to a selected earth location. Alternatively, the relay satellite may convert the laser beam to a maser beam to better penetrate clouds, smoke and haze at the earth location. The mirrors on the two satellites are mounted on gimbals and are power-operated under continuous automatic telemetry control between the satellites and the ground to direct the laser or maser beam to the eath location. Provision is made on one of the satellites for modifying the beam through a constructive interference filter or a diffuser/expander lens, or both, to regulate the kind of energy and the area covered at the earth location.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3535543 (1970-10-01), Dailey
patent: 3781647 (1973-12-01), Glaser
patent: 3933323 (1976-01-01), Dudley et al.
patent: 4078747 (1978-03-01), Minovitch
Stirn, Richard J., "Schottky Barrier Laser Energy Converter", NASA NPO-13390-1 Microfische 1974.
Hansen et al., "Laser Power Stations in Orbit", Astronautics and Aeronautics, Jul. 1972, pp. 41-55.
Stampfl, "Relay Satellite System", 1970 IEEE International Convention, New York, Mar. 23-26, 1970.
Crowley, "Designing the Space Colony", M.I.T. Technology Review, Jul./Aug. 1977, pp. 45-49, 50.
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