Orbital solar power: Solar power stations in space

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 20, 2023

The growing concern for environmental sustainability has increased interest in finding renewable energy. Solar and wind power systems have emerged as popular choices; however, their dependence on large amounts of land and optimal conditions limit their effectiveness as sole energy sources. An alternative solution is harvesting sunlight in space, which could provide a consistent energy source without the limitations posed by land and weather conditions.

Orbital solar power context

An orbital solar power station in a geostationary orbit has the potential to provide a constant 24/7 source of solar energy throughout its operational lifespan. This station would generate energy through solar power and transmit it back to Earth using electromagnetic waves. The UK government has set a target to establish the first such system by 2035 and is considering using Space X's reusable rocket technology to make this project a reality.

China has already started experimenting with power transmission over large distances through electromagnetic waves. Meanwhile, Japan's space agency, JAXA, has a plan that involves free-floating mirrors to focus sunlight and channel the energy to Earth through 1 billion antennas and microwave technology. However, there are concerns about how the high-frequency power-transmitting radio beam used by the UK would impact the terrestrial communications and traffic control operations that depend on using radio waves.

The implementation of an orbital power station could help reduce emissions and lower energy costs, but there are also concerns about its construction expense and the potential emissions produced during its construction and maintenance. Moreover, as pointed out by JAXA, coordinating the antennas to have a focused beam is also a major challenge. The interaction of microwaves with plasma also requires further study to fully understand its implications. 

Disruptive impact 

Solar power space stations can reduce the worldwide reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, potentially leading to a significant reduction in emissions. Additionally, the success of these operations can increase public and private sector funding into space travel technologies. However, relying on a single or multiple orbital power stations also increases the risks associated with system or component failures. 

The repair and maintenance of an orbital power station would likely require using robots, as it would be difficult and cost-prohibitive for humans to perform maintenance tasks in harsh space conditions. The cost of replacement parts, materials, and labor needed to perform repairs would also be a significant factor to consider.

In the event of a system failure, the consequences could be far-reaching and substantial. The cost of repairing these space power stations and restoring them to full operational capacity would be high, and the loss of power could result in temporary terrestrial energy shortages across entire regions. Therefore, it will be crucial to ensure the stability and reliability of such systems through thorough testing and qualification of components, as well as implementing robust monitoring and maintenance procedures to detect and proactively address potential issues.

Implications of orbital solar power

Wider implications of orbital solar power may include:

• Self-sufficiency in energy production of countries that use such stations.
• More widespread access to electricity, especially in rural and remote areas, which can improve quality of life and increase social development.
• Reduced costs associated with energy production and distribution, leading to a reduction in poverty and an increase in economic growth.
• The development of orbital solar power resulting in complementary advancements in space technology and the creation of new, high-tech jobs in engineering, research, and manufacturing.
• The increase in clean energy jobs leading to a shift away from traditional fossil fuel roles, potentially resulting in job losses and the need for retraining and workforce development.
• Increased cooperation and collaboration among countries, as well as increased competition for technological advancements in the field.
• The implementation of orbital solar power resulting in the creation of new regulations and laws surrounding the use of space and the deployment of satellites, potentially leading to new international agreements and treaties.
• Greater availability of land for residential, commercial, and agricultural purposes.

Questions to consider

• How can countries better cooperate to support renewable energy initiatives like these?
• How can potential companies in this field reduce space debris and other possible issues?