The quiet race to make space solar actually work

The concept of space-based solar power, first proposed in 1968 by aerospace engineer Peter Glaser, envisions harvesting solar energy in space and beaming it to Earth to provide uninterrupted, weather-independent renewable energy. Despite decades of interest, operational space solar power stations remain unrealized due to significant technical and economic challenges. NASA’s 2024 report highlights key obstacles such as assembling large solar arrays in geostationary orbit, autonomous operation, and the high costs compared to terrestrial solar power, which require major technological advances to overcome. Nonetheless, the potential benefits are substantial, with studies suggesting space solar could supply up to 80% of Europe’s renewable energy needs and achieve energy densities ten times higher than Earth-based alternatives. Governments in China, the US, and Europe have shown growing support for advancing this technology. Currently, companies like Star Catcher and Aetherflux are pioneering more incremental approaches to make space solar power viable. Star Catcher focuses on harvesting solar energy in orbit and beaming it