Citizens for Space Based Solar Power

Tag: technology

  • Live Event: Space Based Solar Power

    Live Event: Space Based Solar Power

    On August 14, 2025, I joined a SpaceNews live webinar on space-based solar power (SBSP). This panel discussion brought together some of the most experienced voices in the SBSP field.

    Over the course of an hour, the panel made a compelling case that SBSP, once the stuff of science fiction, is now within reach, thanks to dramatic drops in launch costs, advances in mass production, and maturing in-space assembly capabilities. They explored different technical pathways, financing and regulatory hurdles, and the enormous humanitarian and economic potential of delivering clean, 24/7 energy from space to anywhere on Earth.

    I believe the moment for space-based solar power has truly arrived. With bold action from all of us, we can help light the way to a cleaner, more resilient planet. – Rob Mahan

    You can watch the entire event here. I have summarized the panelist’s main points below.

    Event Summary

    SpaceNews hosted a live webinar on August 14, 2025, moderated by Jason Rainbow, featuring four prominent voices in the space-based solar power (SBSP) field:

    • John Mankins – Mankins Space Technology, SPS-Alpha inventor
    • Martin Soltau – Space Solar (UK)
    • Colby Carrier – Aetherflux
    • Karen Jones – The Aerospace Corporation

    The discussion highlighted why SBSP is closer to reality than ever: dramatic launch cost reductions, advances in mass production, and maturing in-space assembly. The panelists explored competing architectures (microwave vs. laser), early market opportunities, financing challenges, safety/regulatory issues, and the transformative global potential of 24/7 clean power from space.

    Main Points by Panelist

    John Mankins

    • Why Now: Reusable rockets have dropped launch costs from ~$20,000/kg to potentially under $100/kg; mass production of space hardware is now <$1,000/kg.
    • SPS-Alpha Concept: Hyper-modular geostationary platform made of over 1 million small modules; uses proven solar, reflector, and microwave transmission technology. No new physics is required.
    • Regulatory Notes: Microwaves need spectrum allocation via ITU; lasers pose eye safety and siting concerns.
    • Humanitarian Potential: One satellite can beam power to wealthy regions, and within seconds, be switched to beaming power to developing regions, providing disaster relief and energy equity.

    Martin Soltau

    • Economics & Orbits: High-orbit systems offer highest utilization for grid-scale power but require billions in early investment; financing roadmap is as critical as technology.
    • Global Need: Energy demand may quadruple in 25 years; weather-dependent renewables face mineral, cost, and land limitations. SBSP offers low carbon footprint, high scalability, and affordability.
    • Early Markets: Polar research stations, remote islands, data centers, off-grid industry, and underserved communities.
    • Public Support: Strong once safety and siting are explained; SBSP is seen as vital to reliable, abundant, clean energy.

    Colby Carrier

    • Aetherflux Strategy: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) laser-based constellation targeting military needs for dispersed, resilient, mobile power.
    • Laser Advantages: Small, precise beams for portable receivers; harder for adversaries to target; suits rapidly redeployed ground forces.
    • Iteration Speed: Lower launch costs enable quick technology refinement.
    • Safety Measures: Laser safety officer on Aetherflux staff; beam cutoff systems; early regulator engagement.

    Karen Jones

    • Market Landscape:
      • Solution Providers – Focused on space-to-Earth SBSP (e.g., Aetherflux).
      • Incrementalists – Start with space-to-space power beaming to build capability.
      • Skeptics/Competitors – Advocate other energy tech but may become SBSP partners.
    • Safety & Public Trust: Microwaves at proposed wavelengths are non-ionizing; but public concerns must be addressed head-on, as the cellular phone industry did.
    • Spectrum Constraint: Allocation will shape future architectures.

    Additional Insights

    • Financing is the bottleneck, not the physics. Starship could cut deployment launches from hundreds to a dozen, slashing energy costs by >10x.
    • Resilience: Hyper-modular designs can survive damage; constellations of modules can scatter like schools of fish, complicating attacks.
    • Dual Use Concerns: RF systems are inherently difficult to weaponize due to low energy density designs; all platforms will be highly visible and open to international inspection.
    • Public Action: Panelists encouraged citizens to press investors, pension funds, and elected officials to support SBSP initiatives.

    Space-based solar power is no longer an abstract concept tucked away in research papers—it’s a tangible solution within our grasp. The technology is ready, the need is urgent, and the benefits are global. What we lack is the unified will to make it happen. If each of us, citizens, innovators, investors, and policymakers, speaks up, demands progress, and supports the pioneers in this field, we can accelerate the shift from vision to reality. The sunlight is already waiting above us, streaming down in abundance. It’s time we reached up, captured it, and shared its power with the world.

  • Gemini Deep Research: Current State of Space-Based Solar Power

    Gemini Deep Research: Current State of Space-Based Solar Power

    I entered the following query into the Gemini Deep Research AI:

    What is the current state of space-based solar power development and what entities are currently conducting research on space-based solar power development? Compile a list of the top ten entities which are likely to accomplish the development and deployment of space-based solar power on a commercial scale?

    Gemini rewrote my query as:

    Provide an overview of the current progress in space-based solar power (SBSP) development, identify organizations currently researching SBSP, and list the top ten entities most likely to achieve commercial-scale SBSP deployment.

    Following is the report that Gemini Deep Research developed in about ten minutes after researching and analyzing data from hundreds of websites. I’ve included the Executive Summary and Conclusion and Future Outlook for SBSP in full, with headings for the remaining sections of the report.

    View or download a PDF of the full 20-page report.

    Space-Based Solar Power: Progress, Key Players, and the Path to Commercialization

    I. Executive Summary

    Space-based solar power (SBSP), the concept of harvesting solar energy in space and wirelessly transmitting it to Earth, is experiencing a significant resurgence of interest driven by advancements in space technology and the pressing need for clean, reliable energy. Recent milestones, such as Caltech’s successful wireless power transmission from space and Space Solar’s demonstration of 360° power beaming, highlight the tangible progress being made. A diverse range of organizations, spanning government agencies like NASA, ESA, JAXA, and AFRL, academic institutions such as Caltech and Kyoto University, and private companies ranging from established aerospace giants like Northrop Grumman and Airbus to innovative startups like Space Solar and Aetherflux, are actively engaged in research and development efforts. While significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness and large-scale deployment, the potential of SBSP to provide continuous, baseload power is attracting increasing attention and investment. This report provides an overview of the current state of SBSP development, identifies the key organizations involved, and analyzes the top ten entities most likely to achieve commercial-scale deployment in this transformative field.

    II. Introduction: The Promise of Space-Based Solar Power

    III. Current Landscape of SBSP Development

    IV. Leading Organizations in SBSP Research and Development

    V. Key Private Sector Players in the SBSP Arena

    VI. Technological Advancements and Key Challenges in SBSP

    VII. Evaluating the Potential for Commercial-Scale Deployment

    VIII. Top Ten Entities Most Likely to Achieve Commercial-Scale SBSP Deployment

    IX. Conclusion and Future Outlook for SBSP

    Space-based solar power stands at an exciting juncture. The convergence of technological advancements, particularly in space launch and wireless power transmission, coupled with the ever-increasing global demand for clean energy, has propelled SBSP from a futuristic concept towards a tangible possibility. Recent demonstrations and the growing number of active players across government, academia, and the private sector underscore the significant momentum in this field.

    While considerable challenges remain, particularly in achieving cost-effectiveness and deploying large-scale systems in space, the long-term potential of SBSP to provide continuous, baseload power is undeniable. The projected growth of the SBSP market indicates increasing investment and a shift towards more development-focused initiatives. The next decade will likely see significant progress in technology maturation and further in-space demonstrations, paving the way for pilot projects and, eventually, commercial-scale deployments.

    The entities identified in this report, with their diverse strengths and approaches, are at the forefront of this endeavor. Their continued progress, coupled with sustained government support and further technological breakthroughs, will be crucial in realizing the promise of space-based solar power and its potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape. As the world continues to strive for a sustainable energy future, SBSP is poised to play an increasingly important role, offering a clean, reliable, and virtually limitless source of power from the ultimate energy provider – the Sun.

    View or download a PDF of the full 20-page report.