Space-based solar power could provide Earth with clean and reliable energy, 24 hours a day. As part of its SOLARIS initiative, ESA is inviting researchers to help advance our knowledge of key aspects of collecting solar power in space and wirelessly transmitting it to Earth.
Earth's atmosphere, clouds and day-night cycle significantly reduce the average availability of sunlight, so collecting sunlight in space is much more efficient than doing so on the ground.
Space-based solar power, SBSP for short, would involve the placing of giant solar farm satellites far enough away from Earth that they can receive sunlight 24 hours a day. The power-generating satellites would then beam the collected energy down (using low-intensity radio waves, for example) to strategically placed ground stations connected to the grid or major power users.
The concept is based on existing technological principles and known physics, with no fundamental breakthroughs required. Telecommunication satellites and their ground receivers already contain the necessary core technologies. However, substantial improvements are still needed to allow future space-based solar farms to operate at the scale needed to become economically feasible.
Aside from such engineering problems, there are many open questions around wirelessly transmitting large amounts of energy through the atmosphere. In a new call for ideas on the Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP), the Preparation element of ESA's Basic Activities is soliciting ideas for research activities to address challenges linked to space-based solar power.
Key research topics include:
Calling all researchers
"From the very beginning, SOLARIS has been looking to collaborate with the broader community," says ESA engineer Aidan Cowley, who is leading the hunt for ideas. "The large attendance at the recent SOLARIS Research and Technology Day showed this to be a success. Now it is time to start advancing activities that were outlined and arose from these engagements - this OSIP call is the vehicle through which we drive this forward."
Any academic or industrial entities with expertise in areas relevant to the proposed research activities are invited to submit an idea through OSIP. "We hope that the visibility that OSIP provides also brings the SOLARIS project to the attention of new actors who are interested in and capable of supporting the research topics," notes Aidan.
Submit your idea for a research activity by 4 August 2023. If it is novel and suitable for implementation within ESA, you will be invited to mature it into a proposal for a co-sponsored research project that will be subject to a competitive evaluation.
These projects will mark a first step towards ensuring that any future implementation of space-based solar power is safe, compatible with other technology and overall positive for the planet.
Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Defense Industry Analyst:
This article would likely be of relevance to a defense industry analyst as it discusses the possibility of an innovative energy source in space. Defense analysts may find it interesting to consider the potential implications of such a technology on the defense industry, such as the implications it may have on interception capabilities, as well as how the technology could be used to support the military in its operations. Additionally, the article provides insight into the research conducted by the European Space Agency (ESA) in this area, which could inform defense analysts on the potential of the technology. The primary audience for a defense industry analyst would be researchers and those in the defense industry.
Stock Market Analyst:
This article may be of lesser relevance to a stock market analyst as it does not directly discuss the financial implications of the technology. However, stock market analysts could consider the potential impact of such a technology on the stock market and the potential investments it may bring, such as in energy companies that could benefit from the technology. Additionally, stock market analysts may consider the potential of the technology as a source of energy and the implications it could have on the overall energy sector. The primary audience for a stock market analyst would be investors and those in the financial sector.
General Industry Analyst:
This article would be highly relevant to a general industry analyst as it provides insight into the potential of a new energy source in space and the implications it may have on the overall industry. A general industry analyst may consider the potential of the technology to reduce energy costs, as well as the implications it may have on global energy use and the environment. Additionally, the article provides insight into the research conducted by the ESA, which could inform industry analysts on the potential of the technology. The primary audience for a general industry analyst would be those in the energy industry and environmentalists.
Analyst Summary
:The European Space Agency (ESA) has recently launched its SOLARIS initiative to explore the potential of space-based solar power (SBSP). This form of energy is based on existing technology and principles of physics, and would involve placing giant solar farm satellites far enough away from Earth to receive sunlight 24 hours a day. The power generated by these satellites would then be transmitted to strategically placed ground receivers connected to the grid or major power users. ESA has issued a call for research activities to address challenges related to SBSP, such as engineering and wireless transmission of energy. If successful, SBSP could provide Earth with a clean and reliable energy source 24 hours a day, with the potential to reduce energy costs and global energy use.Over the past 25 years, there have been significant technological advances in the space and defense industries, such as the development of miniaturized satellites, reusable rockets, and advanced materials for aerospace vehicles. SBSP has potential to leverage these advances to create a new and more efficient source of energy.Investigative
Question:
- 1. What are the potential risks associated with transmitting energy wirelessly through the atmosphere?
- 2. What are the potential economic and environmental implications of SBSP?
- 3.
What progress has been made in addressing the engineering and technology challenges related to SBSP?4. How does SBSP compare to existing forms of renewable energy in terms of efficiency, cost, and scalability?
5. What are the potential geopolitical implications of SBSP?
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