Wireless power transfer for spacecraft & orbital energy beaming

Abstract

As space missions grow longer and more complex, reliable power is crucial. WPT enables remote energy transmission via microwaves or lasers, reducing spacecraft mass and fuel needs while providing power in shadowed or deep-space areas. It can support satellites without solar arrays, deep-space probes, and electric propulsion. Advances in rectennas, beamforming, metamaterials, and receivers improve efficiency, range, and safety. Though experimental, WPT offers scalable solutions for lunar bases, Martian habitats, and satellite constellations, with potential to become central to future space infrastructure.