Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research Project (SSPIDR)

Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research Project (SSPIDR)

SSPIDR is a series of Integrated Demonstrations and Technology Maturation efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate to address space-based power collection and transmission capabilities.

Space solar power beaming is not a new concept; yet until recently, the technology did not have a clear path forward. In conjunction with primary industry partner Northrop Grumman, AFRL established the SSPIDR project to mature technology critical to building an operational solar power transmission system for providing reliable and logistically agile power to expeditionary forces. Learn more:

AFRL research supports both the United States Space Force and United States Air Force.