Will China build a space-based solar power station?

China is eyeing completing a gigawatt-level space-based power station, the Global Times learned from the Chinese Society of Astronautics space solar power commission on Sunday.

What is a space solar power station?

A space solar power station, though seemingly belonging in the realm of science fiction, refers to the technology to generate electricity from solar energy and then transmit it wirelessly to another target in space or users on the Earth's surface.

What is space-based solar power (SBSP)?

The concept of space-based solar power (SBSP) has been around for decades, but China is the first country actively working to build an operational system. Here’s how it works: Solar panels in space collect sunlight – Unlike Earth-based solar farms, space stations are not affected by clouds, weather, or nighttime.

How do space-based solar power stations work?

“This is an incredible project to look forward to.” Space-based solar power (SBSP) stations work by using a system of mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto panels, which then generate electricity. The electricity is then converted to microwave radiation and beamed to a fixed antenna on Earth.

Will China launch a solar power station in geostationary orbit?

Long Lehao, a senior scientist at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, recently confirmed that China is working toward launching a one-kilometer-wide solar power station into geostationary orbit —a staggering 36,000 kilometers above Earth.

When did China start building a space solar power station?

In June 2021, China initiated the construction of its first experimental space solar power station in Bishan. In November 2023, researchers from the Xian University of Electronic Science and Technology published test results for the “Chasing Sun Project,” the world’s first complete ground verification system for space solar power.