What is Space-Based Solar Power?

Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) is one of the most exciting promises of our near-future. It directly and supremely harnesses the eternal power of the sun by launching satellites with large panels out beyond the Earth's atmosphere and then beaming the full energy of sun rays down to the surface.

It sounds insane, I know. Absolutely crazy. But it's actually a lot closer than most think!

Concept Illustration of Suntower / Public Domain by NASA

The basic premise of the SBSP concept is that the sun shines brighter and with more energy outside Earth's geosynchronous orbit than anywhere within or under the Earth's atmosphere.

The only reason that we have a breathable planet at all is because of immense gases that cling to the surface of the Earth. These gases also dilute the sun's energy in order to prevent active radiation damage like most plant and animal life would encounter in the vast emptiness of space.

When you put solar panels in space, whether on a satellite or on a cosmic body with no atmosphere then you can capture a much stronger and concentrated form of energy at a much higher rate than you can with even the best panels here on Earth.

As we reach towards the future, what is now currently a pipe-dream being researched by national space programs will eventually turn into a massively lucrative investment for the private sector. Coal, oil and natural gas will be forgotten about entirely as we look to the stars to solve many of humanity's biggest problems.