US Innovators Are Front And Center In The Space Solar Race

The article highlights the growing momentum of US innovators in the emerging space solar power industry, despite political headwinds such as former President Trump’s opposition to solar energy. Space solar power involves collecting solar energy via satellites in orbit and beaming it wirelessly to Earth, enabling continuous, weather- and season-independent energy supply. A key player, Overview Energy, recently emerged from stealth mode with $20 million in funding from prominent investors, signaling strong private sector confidence in the commercial viability of space-based solar power. NASA also supports related research, particularly for space-to-space applications with potential Earth benefits. Overview Energy’s approach focuses on leveraging existing terrestrial solar power plants as receivers, avoiding new land use or construction delays. Their system aims to function as an orbiting peaker plant, supplying electricity during peak demand hours and reducing reliance on gas power plants. This model promises lower electricity costs for consumers and rapid deployment for large energy users like data centers. Unlike other concepts relying on microwave beaming or orbiting mirrors, Overview