Free-electron laser power beaming to satellites at China Lake, California

Abstract

Laser power beaming of energy through the atmosphere to a satellite can extend its lifetime by keeping the satellite batteries in operating condition longer. An alternate propulsion system utilizing power beaming will also significantly reduce the initial insertion cost of these satellites, which now range up to $160 000/kg, for geosynchronous orbit. Elements of the power beaming system are a high power free-electron laser, a large diameter telescope to reduce diffractive losses, an adaptive optic beam conditioning system and possibly a balloon or aerostat carrying a large mirror to redirect the laser beam to the satellite after traversing the earth's atmosphere. China Lake, California has excellent seeing, averages 260 cloud-free days/year, has a large geothermal plant nearby for inexpensive power, the lake for water, and is thus an ideal site for such a laser power beaming system. Technological challenges in building such a system and installing it at China Lake will be discussed.