The Global Race to Harness Solar Power From Space

Several countries around the globe are racing to develop space-based solar power SBSP systems to harness solar power from space. On Earth, solar power has become a popular form of renewable energy production. However, tapping solar power is limited by night, cloud cover, atmospheric conditions, and seasonality. Roughly 30 per cent of all incoming solar radiation never makes it to ground level.

Meanwhile, in space, the sun shines constantly. For this reason, several governments are exploring the potential to develop SBSP projects that will help countries access more solar power while reducing dependence on land. SBSP works by placing microwave-transmitting satellites in geostationary orbit at an altitude of 35,000 km above Earth's surface to beam power to massive solar reflectors on Earth.