What is Space Based Solar?

1 min read

Space based solar, or space solar, uses giant satellites with large solar arrays that orbit around our planet, absorb the sun’s energy and reflect it down to earth by microwaves. It is said that space solar can produce more energy in one year than the total amount ever produced by fossil fuels and nuclear power. This is because the solar arrays will be in the sun 99% of the time as there are no clouds or night in space. The panels will be 1.5-1.7km wide and the receivers on earth will have a 6km radius.

It is estimated that countries like the UK would receive 13 times more energy from space based solar than solar on earth. The UK government has a 10–15-year timeframe for the full implementation of this technology, while China are planning on launching a solar power plant in space in 2028. Space based solar would provide an unlimited amount of electricity with no carbon footprint. 

There is some criticism from the likes of Elon Musk that this technology would not be able to deliver electricity at a cheap enough rate and that there would be too much energy lost in the transferring process.

Space based solar is not a new technology. It was first discovered in the 1960s but lacked the investment and urgency to see it through. Multiple feasibility studies have been undertaken, which indicate that it can become a reality.

What are your thoughts on space solar? Do you think it is the future? Share your thoughts by replying to this email.

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Elon Musk calling space solar "the stupidest thing ever” in 2012 - (48) Elon Musk Mocks Space Solar Power - YouTube

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