Microwave Engineers: For the Sake of the Future

Microwave Power Transmission: Space-based Solar Power Beams Become Next Energy Frontier

The idea of using satellites to beam solar power down from space is nothing new—the Department of Energy first studied it in the 1970s, and NASA took another look in the ’90s. The stumbling block has been less the engineering challenge than the cost.

According to a Pentagon report released last year, space-based solar power (SBSP) is becoming more feasible, and eventually could help head off crises such as climate change and wars over diminishing energy supplies.

The SBSP is expected to become enormously profitable—and the hopes are that it will lure the growing private space industry. The government would fund launches to place initial arrays in orbit by 2016.

As envisioned, massive orbiting solar arrays, situated to remain in sunlight nearly continuously, will beam multiple megawatts of energy to Earth via microwave beams. The energy will be transmitted to mesh receivers placed over open farmland and in strategic remote locations, then fed into the nation’s electrical grid. The goal: To provide 10 percent of the United States’ base-load power supply by 2050.

I use this as another example of the potential prospect within RF engineering and how (again) it takes a role in shaping the future. Consider energy transmissions, RF tagging, multiple new wireless communication standards, medical applications, communications, security markets and more. Consider what all those upcoming sectors mean in terms of RF engineering jobs. The future for RF engineering never seemed more promising.

At times like these, as global economies shift and uncertainty rules, it is important to hang onto these real assets—education and creativity, and direct them to those areas that are most promising in the global arena. The fact that this country is not producing enough analog engineers, nor imports the missing talent from overseas in a deliberate attempt to meet the increasing demand is a reason for much concern. It is also a missed opportunity in times when such are needed most. It is inevitable that in 10 years from now the US job market will look different. Only combined operation boosting up the technology and science graduation, while filling in vacant expert positions with immigrant talent, will sustain those companies and positions in the country.

Conclusion:

Microwave engineering today lays the foundations for tomorrow’s infrastructure in literally every aspect of life. Securing a good position in tomorrow’s global economy requires the qualified human resources, which should be brought in from overseas while the industry, government and academy act to increase the number of graduates to meet the demand. Look forward and plan.

Isaac Mendelson
ElectroMagneticCareers.com
Isaac@ElectroMagneticCareers.com