The MClimber team, at the Student Space Systems Fabrication Laboratory of the University of Michigan, has developed a prototype robotic climber for competition in the NASA sponsored Power Beaming Challenge. This paper describes the development of the system that utilizes a simple telescope to deliver an 8 kW beam to a photovoltaic panel in order to power a one kilometer climb. Its unique approach utilizes a precision GPS signal to track the panel. Fundamental systems of the project were implemented using a design strategy focusing on robustness and modularity. Development of this design and its results are presented.
Photovoltaic‐Concentrator Based Power Beaming For Space Elevator Application
BEAMED ENERGY PROPULSION: 6th International Symposium ; 2009 ; Scottsdale (Arizona)
AIP Conference Proceedings ; 1230 , 1 ; 271-281
2010-05-06
11 pages
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Photovoltaic Concentrator Based Power Beaming for Space Elevator Application
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