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A Better Way to Get to Space: Dr. Michael Kelzenberg at TEDxWSU 2014

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Danielle
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Externally powered thermal rockets differ from chemical rockets in that they directly heat a low molecular weight propellant such as hydrogen, and are thus limited only by the amount of heat that can be imparted to the working fluid. One way of providing heat to a thermal rocket is by wirelessly beaming it, as microwave energy, from the ground. This type of propulsion will offer a ten-fold improvement in payload fraction over existing chemical propulsion systems, and exciting progress is being made to turn this concept into a reality. In fact, the utility of electromagnetic power beaming isn't limited to space launch rockets. By developing safe, efficient power beaming systems, it is possible to deliver electricity to flying unmanned aircraft systems, enabling a new generation of sustainably powered flight. In an age where wireless communications are ubiquitous, and where electric cars are becoming commonplace on our roadways; it is not difficult to foresee a future in which wireless energy transfer will revolutionize the way we access the skies and beyond.
Bio- Michael Kelzenberg is a Lead Research Engineer at Escape Dynamics Inc. He leads the UAV Power Systems group, which is developing novel rectenna technologies and power management systems for efficient, wirelessly powered aircraft. Michael received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Caltech in 2010, where he worked in the research group of Professor Harry Atwater. His graduate research focused on the development of high-performance silicon microwire photovoltaics, including their growth, fabrication, characteri-zation, and simulation. In 2010, he co-founded Caelux Corp. in Pasadena CA, to continue development of novel photovoltaic technologies. Michael's current research interests include renewable energy, solar cells, rectennas, wireless power beaming, and power management.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
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