Conception of the centralized power supply for spacecraft

Reliable power supply of spacecraft is one of the central problems determining the future developments of space technology. Up to date the most widespread solution consists of an on board power supply system for each spacecraft. This paper analyzes some possibilities of the alternative power supply infrastructure creation consisting of ideas of centralized space based power source and power transmission to satellites by laser and microwave beams. This system has a lot of preferences, because it provides certain increase of spacecraft functional properties and operational life time as well as definite decrease of the spacecraft initial mass and cost. Practically all spacecraft types are included into the consideration as the possible users of remote power supply. The many problems connected with the centralized power supply system development and operation are studied. The structure and main parameters of space based remote power supply system for geostationary satellites service are given as an example. All calculations and evaluations are based on modern and near future advanced technical and technology solutions