A NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station conducted a power beaming test with a light-emitting rectifying antenna developed by the Naval Research Laboratory.
ISS crew member Jessica Meir demonstrated the potential of NRL’s LEctenna technology to transform electromagnetic waves into an electric current, NRL said Monday.
The technology primarily served as a STEM project that sought to encourage student innovation through the Department of Defense’s Space Test Program.
NRL researchers are studying the space-based solar power beaming concept as a potential clean energy source in various military and civilian systems.
The method seeks to collect and bring energy from the sun down to Earth where it can be turned into usable energy through a LEctenna-like approach.
Meir noted that NRL is exploring approaches to remotely power drones or charge mobile devices wirelessly.
Related Articles
The United States’ review of the AUKUS security partnership is expected to conclude this fall, Axios reported Wednesday. Led by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, the review is examining how the trilateral agreement, which began under the Biden administration, aligns with the priorities of the Trump administration. Colby previously voiced skepticism over how U.S. resources are allocated under AUKUS, though he also said Washington should “do everything we can to make this work.” Learn about the latest AUKUS trilateral agreement developments at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit, where maritime leaders and Navy experts will address the most critical
The U.S. Army has issued an organization-wide memo to guide the optimization of systems critical to operations. Signed by Leonel Garciga, the service’s chief information officer and a two-time Wash100 winner, the Defense Business System, or DBS, Determination and Implementation Guidance offers clarifications, ensures accountability and enhances governance of the Army’s IT infrastructure. What Is DBS? A DBS is an IT system being used within the Department of Defense to support core business operations, including financial management, budgeting, planning, contracting, logistics, and human resources training and management. It does not cover systems that are utilized for military, intelligence and national
The Catalyst Accelerator has named the six small businesses that will participate in its directed energy and electromagnetic warfare cohort. From August to November, the cohort will meet every two weeks to collaborate with subject matter experts and engage with government and commercial navigators to build connections and develop technologies for the warfighter. The cohort, The Catalyst Accelerator’s 15th overall, is the first to be executed in partnership with the U.S. Space Force’s Space Security and Defense Program. “The Space Security and Defense Program is excited to see such a diverse set of technologies in the Electromagnetic Warfare and Directed