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Green technology

Space-Based Solar Farms Gaining Momentum with Tim Peake's Endorsement

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station, has expressed optimism about the feasibility of space-based solar farms, saying the concept is "becoming absolutely viable." According to Peake, the falling cost of launching heavy cargoes into orbit has made it possible to consider launching complex structures like solar power farms into space. These farms could provide significant power and offer a clean, limitless energy source.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tim Peake has endorsed the idea of space-based solar farms, citing the falling cost of launching heavy cargoes into orbit as a key factor in making the concept viable.
  • The European Space Agency (ESA) has commissioned two concept studies on space-based solar power plants, aiming to present a business case to the EU by 2025.
  • Solar farms in space would be financially viable when cargoes can be launched at a cost of $1,000 (£807) per kg or less, according to the ESA's calculations.
  • SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and Starship rockets, which can reduce launch costs to $1,500 and $300 per kilo, respectively, could make space-based solar farms economically feasible.
  • The ESA's Solaris programme will launch solar panels into space, which will then link up to form a solar farm, providing a continuous source of energy.
  • Space-based solar farms could provide energy equivalent to a large power station, up to a quarter of the UK's electricity needs, and could become an unlimited and constant zero-carbon power source in the future.

Statistics:

  • The current cost of launching cargo into space is approximately $2,700 per kilo.
  • The ESA estimates that solar farms in space would be financially viable at a launch cost of $1,000 (£807) per kg or less.
  • SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and Starship rockets can reduce launch costs to $1,500 and $300 per kilo, respectively.
  • The UK government has allocated £4.3m in funding to universities and tech companies to develop space-based solar power.
  • A 2020 UK government-commissioned report estimated that space-based solar farms could provide energy equivalent to a large power station, up to a quarter of the country's electricity needs.

Sources:

  • "Tim Peake backs solar farms in space, saying 'it's becoming absolutely viable'" by Sophie Zeldin-O'Neill, no date (allocated)
  • European Space Agency (ESA)
  • SpaceX
  • UK government (2020) report on space-based solar farms
  • Photograph: ESA/Getty Images

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