Solar in Ballistic Missile Defense May Come to Earth

The U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense Organization will sponsor research into the wider use of novel solar power applications.

MANVEL, Texas, US, 2001-07-30 [SolarAccess.com] The U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense Organization will sponsor research into the wider use of novel solar power applications. BMDO’s Small Business Innovation Research Program has sponsored a contract in a first phase to design and develop novel power source technologies for satellites. Lithium Power Technologies will develop energy-dense and lightweight modular components for anti-missile defense applications, next generation military applications, space platforms and deep space exploration. “Not only will this research support our government’s defense and space needs, but it will also spur the commercial development of this technology for use in automobiles, homes, office buildings, and commercial satellites,” says Lithium Power chairman John Poothullil. “The physical properties of the components could make it ideal for applications requiring power for civilian and military uses in remote areas of the world where sunlight is readily available.” The technology is aimed at filling the deficiencies that presently limit the widespread use of photovoltaic-battery power systems. The award involves as much as $64,614 in research funds. This contract will combine thin film battery and capacitor technologies with existing PV technology, to produce power source components that may be adaptable to form the actual structural panels of spacecrafts. NASA relies on Lithium Power and other small businesses to bring innovative technologies to many of its space programs, says Sheila Bailey of the space agency’s group that handles PV applications.