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SOLARBIRD is a solar power generation system based in space. It is possible to build such a system with the serial launching of a number of small power-generating satellites, each of which will have a span of a few hundred meters. Their combined energy will be able to supply enough electricity to power small handheld devices. But as the network of satellites grows, the system will eventually be able to generate a significant amount of electrical power. Orbiting in formation, dozens of these small satellites will maintain a geosynchronous orbit, converting solar power into microwaves for transmission to Earth. The resulting system will boast an output equivalent to that of the giant satellite originally envisaged for space-based power generation. |
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| The considerable advantage of a space-based system is that the energy of the sun's rays that bathe a satellite in geosynchronous orbit is approximately double what it is on the Earth's surface. What is more, a satellite will be exposed for four to five times longer than is possible on Earth. As a result, the system can produce a stable and efficient supply of solar power eight to ten times what it would be on Earth -- for almost 24 hours a day. |
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Solar-tracking mirror:
follows the sun, making one full revolution per day and reflecting the rays to a secondary mirror. |
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Secondary mirror:
reflects the light from the solar-tracking mirror to focus on solar cells mounted on the back of the parabola antenna. |
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Phased-array primary reflector:
made up of several small antennas, the phased-array antenna
directs a microwave beam to Earth. |
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