Northrop Grumman Caltech

Northrop Grumman has partnered with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) to develop a space-based solarpower system.

The partners will focus on technologies such as ultra-light photovoltaics, ultra-light deployable space structures and phased array and power transmission.

According to Northrop Grumman, the technologies could facilitate the space-based system to generate electric power at costs similar to grid-connected fossil fuel power plants.

Under the sponsored research agreement, the company will spend around $17.5m over three years.

"The potential breakthroughs from this research could have extensive applications across a number of related power use challenges."

The Space Solar Power Initiative (SSPI) will bring together electrical engineers, applied physicists, and aerospace engineers.

Northrop Grumman space intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) vice-president and general manager Joseph Ensor said: "By working together with Caltech, Northrop Grumman extends its long heritage of innovation in space-based technologies and mission solutions.

"The potential breakthroughs from this research could have extensive applications across a number of related power use challenges."

Northrop Grumman’s SSPI initiative comes alongside Japan’s space solar power systems (SSPS) project that tested wireless power transmission technology in March.

SSPS will use solar cell panels to generate power on a geostationary satellite at 36,000km above Earth and transmit it back through a microwave or laser.

Image: Northrop Grumman executive Joseph Ensor and Caltech engineering and applied science division chair Ares Rosakis at SSPI commemoration event. Photo: courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corp.