Space solar farms' laser beams could fry satellites in orbit: Study

The article discusses the emerging race between the US and China to develop space-based solar power systems that use laser beams to transmit electricity from orbit to Earth continuously. While this technology promises uninterrupted renewable energy, a new study from the Beijing Institute of Satellite Environment Engineering highlights significant risks posed by the increasing congestion in low Earth orbit (LEO). Specifically, powerful laser beams intended for energy transmission could accidentally damage nearby satellites due to tracking errors or system malfunctions, potentially causing electrical discharges that harm satellite electronics or trigger emergency shutdowns. The study, published in the journal High Power Laser and Particle Beams, offers guidance on selecting safer laser parameters and designing protective measures for satellites’ solar arrays to mitigate these risks. The article notes that while many space solar power concepts target geosynchronous orbit (GEO), the growing number of satellites in orbit raises the likelihood of laser interference. The research team conducted lab simulations firing ultra-short laser pulses at solar panel samples, observing brief electrical discharges that illustrate the potential for damage