Russia unveils ambitious project to power batteries of orbiting satellites with special lasers
SAINT PETERSBURG – Russian Military Space Academy experts claim the introduction of power refuelling satellites holds out the prospect of significantly extending a spacecraft's life, as well as impressive cost-savings. Space News reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
9 Aug. 2019 -- Russia is developing a "space gas station" - a group of robots that will use lasers to recharge satellites in near-Earth orbit, say experts at the Alexander Mozhaysky Military Space Academy in St. Petersburg. The prototype for the planned spacecraft is a spherical object, with solar panels and photovoltaic modules.
Such a robotic structure will be fitted with batteries and a pulse charger based on a supercapacitor, capable of accumulating and transmitting electrical energy to orbiting satellites by laser.
The robotic group will be tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of the small spacecraft belonging to the international search and rescue system Cospas-Sarsat, as well as satellite transponders for Internet, video and radio communications.
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
