China Tests Wireless Power Beam to Multiple Moving Targets

Imagine charging your phone without plugging it in, or powering a drone mid-flight from the ground. Chinese researchers just made that future a bit closer to reality.

Scientists at Xidian University in Shaanxi Province successfully transmitted wireless power to multiple moving targets simultaneously. The system delivered 1,180 watts over a distance of more than 100 meters, marking a significant advance in space-based solar power technology.

The project, called "Sun Chasing," is led by Professor Duan Baoyan, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. His team designed the system to explore how energy could be delivered wirelessly across long distances under real-world conditions.

During one test, a drone flying 30 kilometers per hour received a stable 143 watts of power from 30 meters away. The team reported improved efficiency compared to earlier experiments, showing the technology is becoming more practical for real applications.

The research connects to a bigger vision: collecting solar energy in space where sunlight is constant, then beaming it back to Earth. Space-based solar power systems would convert sunlight into microwaves, transmit them wirelessly, and reconvert them to electricity on arrival.

This approach could solve a major renewable energy challenge. Solar panels on Earth only work when the sun shines, but panels in orbit would capture energy 24/7 without weather interference or nighttime gaps.

The Ripple Effect

Wireless power transmission could transform how we think about energy access. Remote communities, disaster zones, and military operations could receive power without infrastructure. Satellites could be recharged in orbit instead of being abandoned when batteries die.

The technology could also support emerging industries like drone delivery services and electric aircraft. Vehicles could stay airborne longer by receiving power mid-flight, eliminating the need for heavy batteries or frequent landings.

China isn't alone in pursuing this technology. Japan, the United States, and the European Space Agency have also invested in space-based solar research. The race to perfect wireless power transmission reflects growing recognition that clean energy solutions must extend beyond Earth's surface.

The successful one-to-many transmission model is particularly promising. Instead of beaming power to a single receiver, the system can distribute energy to multiple targets, making it far more versatile for commercial and humanitarian applications.

As climate concerns intensify and energy demands grow, innovations like wireless power transmission offer hope for a cleaner, more connected world where energy flows as freely as sunlight itself.