JAXA: HTV-X, space solar power generation demonstration: implemented in 2021
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency: (JAXA)
HTV-X, the first ISS replenisher, will debut next year.
The HTV-X is the successor to the “ISS Kounotori,” whose mission ended on August 19.
We will conduct a “proof-of-concept experiment of structure deployment technology in outer space” toward the construction of a space solar power generation system (SSPS).
HTV-X of the new ISS supply machine:
HTV-X deploys the mounted planar antenna measuring 2 meters vertically and 4 meters horizontally.
Then, we will first verify whether it is possible to send and receive radio waves from the ground to HTV-X.
It is planned to be implemented in FY2021 when the first unit is launched.
Space Solar Power System: (SSPS)
SSPS is a system for solar power generation in space.
Place huge solar cells and antennas for power transmission in outer space.
Converts solar energy into radio waves,
After transmitting to the antenna on earth,
It is converted back to electricity and used.
The world is paying attention as a future technology that can use natural energy to produce large amounts of electricity.
Build a large-scale structure in outer space:
This experiment is
In outer space
Large construction
Deploy completely unattended.
Steps to realize SSPS:
In order to realize SSPS, it is necessary to fabricate a large-scale deployment structure of several hundred meters.
It will be installed in a geostationary satellite orbit where sunlight continues to hit above 36,000m.
In space, assembly technology for constructing completely unmanned is essential.
So far, we have designed, prototyped, and tested experimental equipment with the aim of acquiring technology for deploying 30-meter class structures.
Equipped with a planar antenna:
As a step in acquiring technology to deploy structures in outer space unmanned,
A flat antenna is mounted on the HTV-X and a deployment experiment is conducted.
The panel to be deployed is not a solar cell but only an antenna.
Therefore, we will not conduct an experiment to transmit power from space to the ground this time.
This is an experiment to verify whether the deployable antenna operates properly by receiving the ground transmission radio waves.
Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun August 21, 2020 New Switch