The advanced manufacturing company Orbital Composites with Solis Technologies They will demonstrate solar power from space in 2027.
The two companies say the mission will be a precursor to a “megawatt-class” solar power facility in space by 2030, which could mark “a new chapter in renewable energy.”
Space-based solar power (SBSP) is not a new idea; The Sun emits more energy than humans could use by the time it reaches Earth, and much of this energy is reflected back into space. Unlike solar energy collected on the planet's surface, which is subject to the day-night cycle and other limitations, SBSP proponents say they can provide continuous and abundant energy harvesting.
According to a press release from the two companies, it appears they have a lot of work ahead of them. Solar panels for space are expensive and the space power plant must eventually collect and transmit enough energy to make it economically viable. The plan would not only demonstrate solar power transmission, but also Orbital's ability to assemble robotics in space which comes with its own set of challenges.
But the vision is compelling, as it would unlock a new source of abundant energy Clean for the Earth. Under the pilot, Virtus would deploy its 1,65-meter solar panels into medium Earth orbit, which would then be robotically assembled into large arrays. The two companies are aiming for a highly elliptical orbit called the Molniya orbit, which would keep at least one satellite in view of a ground station at all times.
Once the solar energy was collected, the spacecraft would convert it into microwaves, which would be transmitted to Earth. Once on land, it would be converted to electricity and available for transmission to the power grid or direct use.
“This collaboration is not only a milestone in the development of renewable energy; it's a
commitment to harnessing space technology for Earth's sustainable future,” the companies said in a press release. “The success of the pilot plant will validate the viability of SBSP as a reliable and perpetual energy source.”
