China: Proposal of Space Solar plant

June 13, 2022

Recently, China proposed a plan to launch a solar power plant in space, in order to get inexhaustible power in 2028, two years before the original schedule.

Key Facts

China had planned to establish a solar power station of 1 megawatt capacity, in space by 2030.
However, according to updated plan, China will launch a satellite in 2028.

About Solar Power Plant project in Space

This satellite will test wireless power transmission technology from space to ground, from the height of 400 km.
It will convert solar energy to microwaves or lasers.
Using the lasers, energy beams will be directed to various targets, including the moving satellites and fixed locations on the Earth.
Solar power plant will have the capacity of 10 kilowatts, which is enough to meet the needs of few households.

Testing facility

For the theoretical viability of the space-based solar power station, China is constructing a 33-acre testing facility in Chongqing’s Bishan district. This facility will help in developing space transmission technologies as well as help in studying the effect of microwaves beam on living organism on Earth.

Background

The plan for space solar power plant project was first drafted in 2014. The idea to bring solar power projects to space was popularized in 1941 by Isaac Asimov, who was a science-fiction writer. Following this, a similar energy project was proposed by NASA, two decades ago. But was never developed. Now, U.K. government is considering to build a USD 20.8-billion orbital solar power station. U.K. Member of Parliament suggested that, SpaceX might take up the proposed solar satellite into orbit.

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