https://j.people.com.cn/n3/2026/0522/c95952-20459285.html
Xi’an University of Electronic Science and Technology in China has announced that the “Zhuri Project” research team—led by Duan Baoyan, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering—has developed a ground-based verification system for Space-based Solar Power Systems (SSPS) and microwave wireless power transmission. The team achieved a power output of 1,180 watts over a distance of 100 meters.
A Space-based Solar Power System is a concept involving the collection of solar energy in outer space, converting that energy into electricity (such as microwaves), and transmitting it wirelessly. Academician Duan explained, “In the future, rather than relying solely on the solar panels mounted on satellites, this technology could be applied to a mechanism resembling a ‘wireless charging station’ that supplies power via microwaves from orbit.”
The team developed technology capable of transmitting power via microwaves from a single transmission system to multiple moving targets—a feat characterized by long-distance reach, high power output, and high efficiency. This technology enables the control of power supply based on the positions of multiple target objects; future applications are envisioned to include the simultaneous supply of power to multiple spacecraft or mobile ground-based equipment.
In trials, conducted over a distance of approximately 100 meters, the system achieved a DC-to-DC transmission efficiency of 20.8%, an output power of 1,180 watts, and a beam collection efficiency of 88.0%. Furthermore, utilizing a microwave wireless power transmission system designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), the team achieved stable power reception of 143 watts under conditions involving a flight speed of 30 kilometers per hour and a distance of 30 meters.
The research team reports that they have enhanced the efficiency of solar concentration and photoelectric conversion—processes critical for power generation in outer space—while also advancing the integration, miniaturization, and weight reduction of the transmitting and receiving antennas. These technological advancements are essential prerequisites for the future deployment of such equipment into space.