Solar panel launched into space

In space, the sun almost always shines. So when we put our solar panels in space, we always have electricity. The first demo has now been launched.

Solar panel in space

The Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD) is, as the name suggests, a test setup to develop techniques for extracting solar energy from space. The more energy the better. Space is literally infinite. If we put a large amount of solar panels into orbit around the earth, we will in principle have a reliable energy supply.

But the technical challenges are considerable. You have to get the collected electrical energy from the solar panels to the earth, without major losses. This is done with a focused beam of microwave radiation. When you consider that those solar panels revolve around the earth at kilometers per second, timing and aiming is a tough challenge. Then it all has to be lightweight, because launching is expensive.

A dream, a sponsor, and a result

This dream, inexhaustible, abundant energy for everyone, was the reason that the main sponsors of the project, Donald and Brigitte Bren, put a total of one hundred million dollars into the project. The SSPP, Space Solar Power Project, is being carried out by Caltech University in California, in collaboration with NASA.

Due to the informal set-up of the team, progress could be made quickly. The Bren couple wanted results and gave the team free rein to achieve them. Where there is often more consultation than development at a university or in a large company, the team succeeds in developing a suitable prototype within 10 years.

Space flow experiments are about to begin now

This prototype has now been launched, thanks to a rideshare aboard a SpaceX rocket. The intention is to continue testing and improving the entire system, so that real solar power plants can be launched in a few years. This would be especially beneficial for Europe, because we have few energy resources and our continent is also densely populated.