Is Space Solar Really a Thing?

Beam me down Scotty!

OK – this is an encore presentation of a video I posted a year ago. I have guests unexpectedly visiting today and don’t have time to do my normal thing. However, this story is fascinating in its possibilities. It relates to work being done at the California Institute of Technology to capture sunlight from space.

The concept of beaming power from space originated in 1968. Here we are – 56 years later – and Caltech is looking to move the concept one step closer to reality.

For solar to play a key role in the next century, I believe innovative approaches such as this need to be perfected. Today’s solar is the equivalent of transportation’s horse and buggy. It serves a purpose, and beats walking, but it is far from ideal.

Could Caltech’s efforts mark the beginnings of a different type of race to space?
 
The challenge is safely transmitting massive amounts of power back to earth. Microwave beams are currently the preferred choice since they can travel through the atmosphere without being impacted by weather.
 
The European Space Agency is developing plans for a European space-solar network. And the China Academy of Space Technology hopes to launch a similar prototype by 2028.
 
As you might expect, no advanced technology is created without the military taking a look. The U.S. is investigating the potential to transmit space-based power to remote bases and combat zones.
 
Can a space laser be far behind?

Check out the video to see what the California Institute of technology has been able to accomplish. Tomorrow I’ll provide updates and additional details on the effort.

#caltech #solarenergy #spacetech #solar