Space Solar, a UK-based company, has developed a prototype for the first solar farm in space. The company aims to contribute to reaching NetZero with their baseload Solar Power Satellite design, known as CASSIOPeiA.
“The space-based solar power (SBSP) system comprises a 1,7km diameter satellite in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), where the sun is visible over 99% of the time, and a ground station here on Earth,” says Sam Adlen, Co-CEO, and Executive Director.
“The satellite features large lightweight solar panels, with a system of mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto the panels. The electricity generated by the solar panels is converted into high-frequency radio waves (microwaves) and beamed to a rectifying antenna on the ground, which converts the electromagnetic waves into electricity.”
According to the company, a single satellite could potentially deliver as much as 2 GW of carbon-free power, while satellite constellations could be scaled up to deliver power to the majority of the world.
“A detailed engineering design and analysis study of CASSIOPeiA successfully established the baseline design framework across crucial domains encompassing structure, thermal management, attitude and orbit control, photovoltaic, and light path, achieving the performance and mass targets,” Adlen adds.
“This study is a major step forward. With our design validated, we are now focused on the next stage – developing the system and demonstrating the technology at increasing scale. We are targeting an in-orbit demonstration within three years and delivering meaningful power from space within six years.”
In a recent interview with Sky News, Space Solar revealed that the company is currently engaged in discussions with SpaceX regarding the utilisation of Starship.
