Rathjen, S. M. | Engineering Papers

NASA NTRS1979

Computer modeling for a space power transmission system

The paper summarizes the development of a computer program that simulates the performance of a large phased array antenna composed of 7220 smaller subarrays, each made up of klystron modules which act as individual radiators. The purpose of this program is to: (1) study the far-field pattern near the rectenna, (2) calculate the beam efficiency, and (3) observe the grating lobe behavior. Attention is given to the computer program which consists of a main program and four subroutines, as well as to the system configurations. The effects of amplitude, phase and random subarray failures are examined and an error budget was specified for 10 to the 0 phase error, + or - 1 dB amplitude error, and a 2% random failure rate.

Rathjen, S. M.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Microwave power beaming for long range energy transfer

Current studies by NASA have identified space solar power as a potential long term viable candidate for efficient energy transfer at orbital ranges using a microwave beam. This paper will describe some of the power-aperture relationships leading to a potential feasible design of a power beaming system. The topics include a discussion of the system constraints, the transmitter and spaceborne array configuration, and the error budget levied by microwave system requirements.

Nalos, E. J.↗