Space solar power

What is space-based solar power?

Space-Based Solar Power, SBSP, is based on existing technological principles and known physics, with no new breakthroughs required. Today’s telecom satellites transmitting TV signals and communication links from orbit are basically power-beaming satellites – except at a far smaller scale of size and power.

What is space solar power?

Space solar power provides a way to tap into the practically unlimited supply of solar energy in outer space, where the energy is constantly available without being subjected to the cycles of day and night, seasons, and cloud cover—potentially yielding eight times more power than solar panels at any location on Earth's surface.

How does space-based solar power work?

Space-based solar power requires wirelessly transmitting electrical energy across space using microwave or laser power beaming. Unlike laser beams, microwaves can penetrate clouds and rainfall, making them the prime candidate for maximizing solar capacity.

Can space-based solar power be used on Earth?

Space-based solar power, once a topic for science fiction, is gaining interest. The sun, photographed from the International Space Station about 260 miles above the Pacific Ocean. Wireless power transfer in space is opening the door to harnessing the power of the sun to provide usable power on Earth. NASA

Is space based solar power a good idea?

The World Needs Energy from Space Space-based solar technology is the key to the world's energy and environmental future, writes Peter E. Glaser, a pioneer of the technology. Japan's plans for a solar power station in space - the Japanese government hopes to assemble a space-based solar array by 2040. Whatever happened to solar power satellites?

Can space solar power beam power to Earth?

A space solar power prototype that was launched into orbit in January is operational and has demonstrated its ability to wirelessly transmit power in space and to beam detectable power to Earth for the first time.