Researchers Beam Power From A Moving Aircraft For The First Time
January 12, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1768244430435-1873
Researchers at Overview Energy successfully demonstrated wireless power transmission from an airborne platform in flight, marking a significant milestone for space-based solar power. The test was conducted using a Cessna Caravan single-engine turboprop flying at altitudes above 5,000 meters, with the system transmitting power via a low-density, eye-safe infrared beam to conventional photovoltaic panels on the ground. This achievement validates the ability to maintain precise beam alignment from a moving platform despite turbulence and aircraft motion.
Key Takeaways
- Researchers successfully beamed a tiny amount of electrical power from a moving aircraft to receivers on the ground.
- The test was conducted over Pennsylvania using a Cessna Caravan single-engine turboprop flying at about 15,000 feet in challenging weather conditions.
- The system maintained alignment long enough to deliver a small but measurable amount of power to ground-based receivers.
Strategic Implications
This achievement may indicate the potential for wireless power transmission from airborne platforms to be scaled up for space-based applications. The use of aviation as a proving ground suggests that the technology could overcome some of the challenges associated with transmitting energy safely at scale, such as atmospheric losses and regulatory hurdles.