Method and apparatus for space-based collection and use of photonic power

A method comprising:

• disposing aboard a space launch vehicle an apparatus comprising:
• a substrate having a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side;
• a plurality of photovoltaic cells disposed on the first side of the substrate;
• a plurality of microwave antennas disposed on both the first side of the substrate and the second side of the substrate;
• and
• a plurality of photonic integrated circuits that are operably coupled to the substrate and with each of the photonic integrated circuits operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic cells to thereby receive electrical power therefrom, wherein at least some of the photonic integrated circuits are communicatively coupled to one another via corresponding waveguides such that the communicatively coupled photonic integrated circuits process data and information and possess memory;
• wherein the apparatus is disposed in a non-spherical collapsed shape;
• launching the space launch vehicle carrying the apparatus into space;
• deploying, in space, the apparatus into a spherical non-collapsed shape;
• and
• employing the apparatus to generate a geo-electromagnetic field by converting, at least in part, photonic energy captured by at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic cells.