Performance Estimates for a Fuel-Free Stationary Platform in the Stratosphere

High-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS) may be kept aloft indefinitely with station-keeping provided by plasma air thrusters (PAT) using wireless power transfer (WPT) from a terrestrial phased array antenna (PAA). One example is the patented “Sitallite” superpressure balloon rectifying (rectenna) covering its underside, around periphery. Such stationary platform can provide continuous observation and communications capabilities vast areas for fraction of cost required an orbiting satellite. This work builds upon design safety study published elsewhere to performance estimates long-duration, persistent HAPS powered electronically-steerable microwave beams. Newly-derived efficiency equations are used accurate free-space WPT based on dimensions ground-based PAA rectenna. Calculations drag spheroidal bouyant shape derive PAT requirements, these, together conversion circuitry, size overall system. Accurate derived. These help make economic logistic decisions, as fuel-free lofted in less time, lower risk, than orbital satellite comparable capabilities.