What is space solar power station (SSPs)?

This special issue is dedicated to the field of Space Solar Power Station (SSPS). Proposed by the American scientist Peter Glaser, SSPS is a grand idea to build an extra-large solar power station on the Earth orbit and to transmit electricity to the surface ground wirelessly, such as through microwaves.

How does solar energy work?

The idea is to collect solar energy in space, where it is continuously available and unaffected by cloud cover or other atmospheric conditions. It is then transmitted wirelessly down to strategically placed receivers connected to the energy grid.

Could space-based solar power be a solution to future energy challenges?

Given the uninterrupted nature and scalable potential of space-based solar power, the technology could offer a solution to these current and future energy challenges. The idea is to collect solar energy in space, where it is continuously available and unaffected by cloud cover or other atmospheric conditions.

Could a solar power station be built in space?

Until recently any thought of building a 2,000-tonne solar power station in space has been dismissed as science fiction. But Mr Soltau revealed the company is in talks with SpaceX about using Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built.

How does a solar power grid work?

Unlike a traditional grid with big power stations feeding power to hundreds of homes, the panels would harvest energy and recharge batteries at an individual home. That energy could then be fed back into the grid and distributed to other homes, creating what are effectively miniature power stations.

Do solar panels capture more energy in space than on the ground?

Solar panels capture 13 times more energy in space than they do on the ground because the light intensity is higher and there's no atmosphere, clouds or night. Even though some energy would be lost by the time it is beamed back to Earth and connected to the electricity grid, it would still far outstrip solar generation on the ground.