From wireless energy transmission to efficient receiver design, this competition is all about developing the power systems to keep a space elevator running. Teams must conceptualize innovative solutions for sending energy wirelessly from a source to a receiver, simulating the systems that will one day power space elevator climbers on their journey to space.
The Unseen Engine
A space elevator climber cannot carry enough stored energy for its entire ascent. Power beaming, the wireless transmission of energy via electromagnetic waves like lasers or microwaves, is the critical solution. Its development involves challenges in power transmission, reception, and efficiency, making it a central focus for achieving the long-distance, reliable operation needed for continuous space access.
A Multi-Year Journey
The Power Beaming Competitions are a staged program designed to grow over several years. It begins in 2026 with this call for white papers to establish a strong theoretical foundation. Then the competition moves to hardware with a Receiver Competition, where teams will build and demonstrate their receiver prototypes against a standardized light source. Future years will see the challenge evolve, advancing to a Transmitter Competition and the integration of more advanced, scalable technologies.
The Challenge
Research, design, and propose a power beaming system, submitted as a white paper, that:
Details a full system architecture, its components, and operational principles.
Analyzes the system's technical feasibility, with a heavy focus on power efficiency (ie minimal power loss).
Discusses how the concept can be scaled.
Outlines the practical steps, budget, and resources needed for prototype development.
Considers all necessary safety protocols and reliability measures.
Submitted white papers must detail a concept poised for prototyping. Selected teams will present at WSPEC 2026, leading to the Receiver Competition, where teams will build and test their receiver prototypes against a standardized light source, with performance judged on measurable efficiency and the system's ability to scale.
