Sign in Subscribe
Green technology

UK Takes First Step in Space-Based Solar Power Development

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The UK's Satellite Applications Catapult has secured almost £500,000 from the UK Space Agency to develop space-based solar power (SBSP) systems. This is the first step in the development of a viable space-based solar power solution, which could provide constant solar power by harnessing sunlight in geostationary orbit and beaming it down to Earth. The project aims to investigate key enablers and accelerators for the development of new sustainable energy technology from space.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK's Satellite Applications Catapult has secured £499,000 from the UK Space Agency to develop space-based solar power (SBSP) systems.
  • The project aims to investigate key enablers and accelerators for the development of new sustainable energy technology from space.
  • The SBSP system would consist of satellites in geostationary orbit that harvest sunlight and convert it to low-power density microwaves, which would be safely beamed down to receiver stations on Earth.
  • The satellites would need to be very large, measuring several kilometres across to generate the equivalent power of a typical nuclear power station.
  • The same would be true for the collecting rectennas on Earth.
  • The concept of SBSP has its roots in the work of Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky in the 1920s and was also featured in the work of science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov.
  • The Satellite Applications Catapult project will complete three pieces of enabling work: investigating wireless power transmission, simulating power density effects, and researching in-orbit servicing and manufacturing.
  • The project is a vital first step in the development of a viable space-based solar power solution, said Sam Adlen, chief strategy officer at the Satellite Applications Catapult.
  • The funding from the UK Space Agency will help deliver critical enabling elements to ensure the development of the whole solution, including technology to environmental and regulatory aspects.

Statistics:

  • £499,000: The amount of funding secured by the UK's Satellite Applications Catapult from the UK Space Agency to develop space-based solar power (SBSP) systems.
  • £620,000: The total project value, funded by a £465,000 grant from the UK Space Agency and a further contribution of £155,000 from the Satellite Applications Catapult.
  • 2023: The year in which the Satellite Applications Catapult project will complete the necessary work.
  • 2022: The year in which wireless power transmission was demonstrated locally at the Airbus X-Works Innovation Factory in Munich.

Sources:

  • "UK's Satellite Applications Catapult takes first step in developing space-based solar power" (no date).
  • Satellite Applications Catapult press release (no date).
  • "UK Space Agency funds space-based solar power project" (no date).
  • "Space-based solar power gets a boost from the UK Space Agency" (no date).
  • European Space Agency press release (November 2022).
  • IMechE press release (November 2022).
  • "Engineering Futures Aerospace and Defence webinar series" (November 2022).
  • "Solaris Initiative" (European Space Agency).
  • "SyndiGate Media Inc." (provided by Syndigate.info).

Read more