Pentagon funds homing beacon for beaming solar power from space

The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Virginia startup Overview Energy a contract through its Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund to design, build and test a ground-based homing beacon for its space-based solar power system. The near-infrared beacon authenticates receivers before energy is transmitted from geosynchronous orbit roughly 22,000 miles away; an orbital demonstration is planned for 2028, with commercial power delivery targeted for 2030. Contract value was not disclosed.

• OECIF contract covers design, build and testing of the ground homing beacon
• Energy carried by near-infrared light from geosynchronous orbit ~22,000 miles away
• Beacon authenticates the receiver before transmission begins
• Orbital demo planned for 2028, commercial power delivery from 2030