Basic Studies for Space Solar Power Systems in Japan

A Space Solar Power System (SSPS) comprises many parts, in a space segment and a ground segment. In order to construct an SSPS, many parts have to be launched to space using rocket vehicles. All these subsystems must complete a phase of basic research, before starting the development phase. This paper presents the basic SSPS research in Japan on selected topics. Spacetenna construction is discussed from both viewpoints of mechanical structure and electrical performance. Beam-forming using phased array antennas is explained. For launch, a new type of microwave rocket is introduced. The details and present achievements of each topic are written by a representative of each research group.

[1]  Kimiya Komurasaki,et al.  Propulsive Impulse Measurement of a Microwave-Boosted Vehicle in the Atmosphere , 2004 .

[2]  Kenji Saegusa,et al.  Array antenna with uniformly excited elements to realize an equivalent arbitrary field distribution: A key technology for mass-production antenna engineering , 2017, 2017 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation & USNC/URSI National Radio Science Meeting.

[3]  Naoki Shinohara,et al.  Basic Study of Both-Sides Retrodirective System for Minimizing the Leak Energy in Microwave Power Transmission , 2019, IEICE Trans. Electron..

[4]  G. Hanley Satellite Power Systems ( SPS ) Concept Definition Study , 2000 .

[5]  Hiroyuki Koizumi,et al.  Numerical Analysis of Comb Shaped Plasma Front Propagation in Millimeter- Wave Discharge under Atmospheric Pressure , 2016 .

[6]  Kimiya Komurasaki,et al.  Thrust Performance of Microwave Rocket Under Repetitive-Pulse Operation , 2009 .

[7]  Tadashi Takano,et al.  Proposal of a multiple folding phased array antenna and phase compensation for panel steps , 2011, 2011 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation (APSURSI).

[8]  Kimiya Komurasaki,et al.  Development of a Novel Launch System Microwave Rocket Powered by Millimeter-Wave Discharge , 2018, International Journal of Aerospace Engineering.

[9]  Takehiro Imura,et al.  A Partially Driven Array Antenna Backed by a Reflector with a Reduction in the Number of Driven Elements by Up to 67% , 2013, IEICE Trans. Commun..

[10]  P. Glaser Power from the sun: its future. , 1968, Science.

[11]  Tadashi Takano,et al.  Ultra Low Profile Dipole Antenna with a Simplified Feeding Structure and a Parasitic Element , 2006, IEICE Trans. Commun..

[12]  Naoki Shinohara,et al.  Effective beam forming of phased array antenna for efficient microwave power transmission , 2014, 2014 Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference.

[13]  JAMes A. VeddA,et al.  THE POLICY AND SCIENCE OF ROCKET EMISSIONS , 2018 .

[14]  Jian-Ming Jin,et al.  Fast and Efficient Algorithms in Computational Electromagnetics , 2001 .

[15]  N. Hamamoto,et al.  Technology status of the 13 m aperture deployment antenna reflectors for engineering test satellite VIII , 2000 .

[16]  Masafumi Fukunari,et al.  Thrust Augmentation of Microwave Rocket with High-Power and High-Duty-Cycle Operation , 2012 .

[17]  Toshikazu Yamaguchi,et al.  Replacement of chemical rocket launchers by beamed energy propulsion. , 2014, Applied optics.

[18]  T. Takano,et al.  Characteristics Verification of a Half-Wave Dipole Very Close to a Conducting Plane With Excellent Impedance Matching , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.