China achieves breakthrough in wireless space-to-target power transmission technology

Chinese scientists have successfully tested a ground-based system capable of wirelessly transmitting power to multiple moving targets simultaneously. The development forms part of ongoing research into space-based solar energy technologies and orbital power transmission systems, as reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

The project, known as the "Sun Chasing project", is led by Duan Baoyan, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Xidian University in Shaanxi Province. The system was designed to explore practical applications of long-distance wireless energy delivery under dynamic conditions.

During testing, the system delivered 1,180 watts of output power over a distance exceeding 100 metres while supplying energy to multiple moving targets at the same time. Researchers describe this as a one-to-many transmission model, relevant for future energy distribution in space environments.

Space-based solar power systems are designed to collect solar energy in orbit, where sunlight is available continuously. The energy is converted into microwaves, transmitted wirelessly, and then reconverted into electricity upon arrival, enabling remote power delivery beyond Earth-based constraints.

In a separate simulated trial, a drone flying at 30 kilometres per hour successfully received a stable 143 watts of power from 30 metres away. The team reported improvements in efficiency compared with previous tests, supporting further development of modular orbital energy systems intended for future space infrastructure.