US Navy Research Laboratory spacecraft engineer Dr. Paul Jaffe has now built and tested two types of modules for capturing and transmitting solar energy. This scheme uses a "sandwich" module, with all electronic components packed between two square solar panels. The top side is a photovoltaic panel that absorbs sunlight; the middle layer contains the electronic system that converts energy into radio frequencies; and the bottom is an antenna that transmits energy toward ground targets.
This solar module will be assembled in space by robots, eventually forming a very powerful artificial satellite with a diameter of 1 kilometer. Jaffe stated: "Launching objects into space is extremely expensive, so finding a way to make components lighter is a fundamental requirement of this design. The sandwich module design is four times more efficient than previous designs."
At the same time, Jaffe is also attempting to solve heat issues using a stepped module. The stepped module design is currently patent-pending, and when opened, the sandwich module resembles a "zigzag" structure. This allows the solar panels to receive sunlight more effectively without overheating.