It May Sound Like Science Fiction, But Space-Based Solar Power Projects Are Underway Today

by bernt & torsten

The concept involves launching solar panels into space and assembling them using robotics. The energy is transmitted back to Earth via microwaves, captured by antenna farms, and converted into electricity. The UK startup Space Solar, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the American NASA are some players who have high hopes for space-based solar power.

The Sun Always Shines in Space

 

 

The company plans to launch a 30-megawatt solar power plant into space by 2030. Space has no night, bad weather, or seasons, so space-based solar power offers numerous advantages compared to solar power on Earth. The solar panels in space will be illuminated almost constantly. Electricity production becomes more reliable because energy can be directed between different antenna farms. Energy can be redirected throughout the day to the part of the world with the highest electricity needs.

Challenges with Space Shuttles and Robots

 

 

There are also several challenges. Although space travel has become cheaper in recent years, it remains costly. This may make it difficult for commercial companies to achieve profitability in solar power. There are also challenges in robotics, as the solar panels are to be assembled by robots in space. So far, nothing so large has been constructed in space. The International Space Station (ISS) is the size of a football field, but the envisioned solar farms are intended to be several square kilometres in size.

Isn't it much simpler to build more solar power on Earth instead?

Building on Earth is naturally much simpler, but you have to weigh in the benefits of space-based solar energy. It is urgent to find fossil-free energy sources. By 2050, the EU aims to be climate neutral, while energy consumption on Earth is expected to increase. Whether space-based solar energy will become a reality remains to be seen, but the UK company believes in the idea. The UK startup Space Solar claims that they will be able to deliver electricity this way within five years, which is a great advantage for everyone.