Beam solar power from space

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.

How does space-based power beaming work?

Space-based power beaming essentially works like our space-based telecommunications systems except for the fact that it beams usable energy instead of data. The idea is to use huge solar arrays parked in space to collect and beam solar energy down to remote ground stations on Earth via focused microwaves.

Could space solar power stations be able to beam solar energy?

The idea is to use huge solar arrays parked in space to collect and beam solar energy down to remote ground stations on Earth via focused microwaves. Space solar power stations could beam collected energy to anywhere they can see; the transmitted energy can pass through clouds.

Will space-based solar power beamed from space?

Last year, a satellite built by Caltech engineers as part of the Space Solar Power Demonstrator mission beamed solar power from space for the first time. The mission, which concluded in January, was celebrated as a major milestone. Many more space-based solar power demonstration projects are in the pipeline.

How does space solar power work?

Here’s how it works. A space solar power prototype has demonstrated its ability to wirelessly beam power through space and direct a detectable amount of energy toward Earth for the first time. The experiment proves the viability of tapping into a near-limitless supply of power in the form of energy from the sun from space.

What is space-based solar power?

Space-based solar power connects the ambition and inspiration of space exploration with tangible benefits to Earth by addressing the persistent and growing need for more clean energy.