Solar power from space, ambition to cover clean energy throughout the Earth

Many technology organizations around the world are investing in the development of solar power transmission systems from space to Earth. Although there are still many challenges, this is considered a strategic step in the global clean energy revolution.

Ambitions to transmit solar power from space: The energy revolution is taking shape

In the context of the world facing an energy crisis, climate change and green transition pressure, a bold idea is gradually becoming a reality: harnessing solar power from space and transmitting it wirelessly to Earth. From the UK to the US to Europe, a series of technology organizations are investing heavily in space energy projects, with the ambition to create abundant, stable renewable electricity sources that do not depend on weather or geographical location.

Unlike traditional ground-based solar power systems, this technology uses photovoltaic panels placed outside the atmosphere – where sunlight is not obstructed by clouds, dust, or the atmosphere. According to the Earth Observatory, the Earth's atmosphere reflects about 30% and absorbs 25% more solar energy, causing a significant reduction in electricity harvesting efficiency. Meanwhile, energy satellites in orbit can be exposed to light almost continuously, especially if placed in geostationary orbit – where the satellite is always pointing towards a fixed point on Earth.

Global Energy Strategy and Technology Race

In the US, startup Aetherflux is developing a satellite cluster equipped with high-power infrared lasers to transmit solar electricity to Earth. The laser system is designed to automatically shut off when there is an object blocking the road, ensuring flight safety and human health. It is expected that in 2026, the organization will launch a 1.3 kW power transmission test satellite to the ground – the first step in the journey to commercialize this technology.

In the UK, Space Solar pursues a city-scale solar power plant model in space. With a $1.6 million grant from the British government, they plan to launch two test missions within three years: one to transmit power by radio waves, the other to test the robot's ability to build large structures in space. The ultimate goal is to build the 1.8-kilometer-wide Cassiopeia station at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers, using millions of satellites covered with photovoltaic cells. The resulting energy will be transmitted back to Earth via about a billion antennas, which will be received at a ground station the size of Heathrow Airport. The capacity is expected to reach 700 MW – enough to supply electricity to 500,000 households.

Virtus Solis, another U.S. organization, is developing a 200,000-unit honeycomb-shaped satellite constellation in orbit Molniya to optimize power transmission to the Northern Hemisphere. According to CEO John Bucknell, if successful, electricity prices could fall from an average of $75 per MWh to just $0.5 per MWh – a price that could change the entire global energy market.

History, scientific background and technological turning point

The idea of transmitting electricity from space is not new. It has been proposed by NASA since the 1970s, in the context of the world's beginning to be interested in alternative energy sources. However, the project was shelved due to the high cost of launching satellites, incomplete transmission technology, and materials that were not light enough to be deployed on a large scale. At the time, the construction of a space power station was considered too fictional, far beyond technical ability and budget.

However, with great advances in space technology, autonomous robots, artificial intelligence, and ultra-light materials like graphene, this dream is being revived strongly. The cost of launching satellites has been significantly reduced thanks to private organizations such as SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin, opening up the opportunity to realize space energy projects with more feasible budgets.

Some pilot projects are now integrating 3D printing technology in space to create components directly in orbit, rather than having to launch the entire structure from the ground. This not only saves transportation costs, but also allows the power station to be scaled according to actual needs.

Challenges: Cost, space junk and international cooperation

Despite its great potential, the technology still faces many hurdles. According to NASA's 2024 report, the cost of building and operating a solar power system in space is currently much higher than that of terrestrial renewable sources. The launch and management of hundreds of thousands of satellites also pose the risk of collisions and the creation of space junk, threatening orbital safety and other aerospace activities.

Expert Francesca Letizia from the European Space Agency warns that controlling satellite density and avoiding accidents is an extremely complex problem. Meanwhile, economist Karen Jones from The Aerospace Corporation emphasized that international cooperation is vital to making the space energy dream a reality. The sharing of technology, safety standards, and operational data between countries will determine the success of this fledgling industry.

The future of energy: Not limited by geography or weather

If successful, solar power from space will usher in a new era for the energy industry: no longer depending on geographical location, weather or day and night cycles. Remote areas, small islands or areas lacking electricity will have the opportunity to access clean, stable and cheap energy. At the same time, this technology also helps reduce pressure on the terrestrial power system, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote the goal of global carbon neutrality.

In addition, military applications, disaster relief, and space exploration can also benefit from this wireless power source. A space power station can provide electricity to a lunar base, a Mars rover, or isolated areas after a natural disaster.

Geopolitical perspective and potential in developing countries

Owning electromagnetic transmission technology is not only an economic advantage but also a strategic advantage. Leading countries in this field can control cross-border energy sources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and reshape the global balance of energy power.

For developing countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia or Kenya, this technology opens up the opportunity to access clean electricity without the need to invest in complex transmission infrastructure. Energy collection stations can be located in mountainous areas, remote islands, or areas without grid electricity, helping to bridge the development gap and improve life.