China aims space solar plant to charge satellites and tame typhoons

China is advancing the Zhuri “Chasing the Sun” project, an ambitious initiative to build a space-based solar power station in geostationary orbit by 2030. This facility, envisioned as a kilometer-wide circular structure 36,000 kilometers above Earth, aims to generate gigawatt-level clean energy continuously, overcoming limitations of ground-based solar panels such as night cycles and weather. The project also plans to use high-frequency microwave beams not only to transmit energy back to Earth but potentially to influence weather patterns by heating atmospheric moisture, thereby taming typhoons by altering their intensity and paths. Beyond Earth-facing applications, the space solar station is designed to serve as a “space-based power bank” to wirelessly charge satellites, space stations, and deep-space probes, potentially extending mission lifespans and enabling future lunar bases and space internet networks. Since its start in 2013, the project has progressed from theory to practical milestones, including a 75-meter ground test tower and advancements