Examination of the possibility of rotary joints for SSPS using liquid metal

Abstract

  NASA / DOE designed the concept of SSPS in the 1970s. In this system, the solar panel was always directed toward the sun in geosynchronous orbit, and the microwave beam radiator was oriented toward the rectenna on the earth. Between these, a rotary joint capable of transmitting high power is required. However, it was difficult to manufacture a rotary joint capable of transmitting high power. Since then, a structure in which a solar cell panel and a microwave antenna are integrated has been proposed. This time, we examined a rotary joint using liquid metal. We report that it has possibility to transmit GW class DC power directly, generate little heat, and make it lightweight and compact.