Space-based solar power is considered a promising approach to overcoming key limitations of ground-based solar generation. For this reason, companies and research organizations in several countries are working on orbital solar power stations capable of supplying energy to Earth around the clock. A recent test by the U.S. startup Overview Energy represents another step in this direction.
The Northern Virginia–based company successfully transmitted energy to ground solar panels from a moving aircraft, demonstrating the functionality of its technology. Overview Energy views this experiment as an important proof of concept for future satellite power stations and plans to advance to orbital testing within the next few years.
During the test, researchers used a Cessna Caravan flying at an altitude of approximately 5 km above the ground. Onboard, a battery simulated a satellite’s solar panels. The collected energy was converted into laser radiation using specialized modules and cooling systems. An optical tracking system continuously monitored the ground panels, ensuring precise laser targeting even while the aircraft was in motion.
Overview Energy plans to conduct its first low Earth orbit tests in 2028, with the launch of a full-scale orbital solar power station at roughly 36,000 km altitude scheduled for 2029–2030. The company states that by the early 2030s, the system could deliver over 1 gigawatt of continuous power to nearly any point on the planet.
The experiment shares similarities with a test conducted by Japan Space Systems (JSS) at the end of 2024. In that test, an aircraft traveling at about 700 km/h transmitted energy to a ground antenna using directed microwaves. Both projects operated at similar flight altitudes and followed comparable orbital concepts, but Overview Energy used equipment closely aligned with what is planned for space deployment. In contrast, JSS does not expect to deploy full satellite systems before the 2040s.
Meanwhile, other companies are exploring alternative approaches. The California-based startup Reflect Orbital is developing a constellation of 57 satellites designed to concentrate and redirect sunlight to Earth from an altitude of around 600 km. The company plans to launch its first satellite this spring.
Space-based solar power offers two key advantages over traditional ground-based panels. First, energy transfer between satellites can provide electricity even at night, enabling continuous generation. Second, the absence of atmospheric interference allows for the collection of significantly more solar energy.
At the same time, significant challenges remain, including energy conversion efficiency, coordination of large satellite constellations, and minimization of space debris. Nevertheless, British researchers believe that if the technology develops successfully, orbital solar power could supply up to 80% of Europe’s energy needs by 2050.
Read also:
- The Most Distant Spacecraft in the Solar System: Where Are They Now?
- Startup Star Catcher Secures $12 Million for Extraterrestrial Energy System Development
Source: Techspot
