Insider Brief:
- The European Space Agency is developing a groundbreaking project named SOLARIS, aimed at producing clean energy in space for use on Earth.
- The organization seeks to pave the way for informed decisions on the viability of space-based solar power technology by 2025.
- Looking ahead, ESA envisions space-based solar power constellations comprising vast solar farms.
- Image credit: ESA
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, the European Space Agency (ESA) is pioneering a groundbreaking project named SOLARIS. This initiative aims to harness the power of the Sun in space and transmit the resulting energy wirelessly to Earth-bound stations as announced by the organization.
Addressing the pressing need to tackle climate change, SOLARIS presents a clean and scalable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. With a focus on collaboration between policymakers, energy providers, and space industry players, ESA seeks to pave the way for informed decisions on the viability of space-based solar power technology by 2025.
Sanjay Vijendran, leading the SOLARIS initiative, discussed the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources, especially considering the challenges posed by fluctuating outputs of current renewables. Space-based solar power entails collecting solar energy beyond Earth’s atmosphere, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted power source unaffected by atmospheric conditions.
ESA’s studies, conducted in partnership with companies like Thales Alania Space Italy and Arthur D Little, explore two primary concepts: radio-frequency transmission and sunlight reflection. While both concepts offer unique advantages, they also present technological hurdles that must be addressed for successful implementation.
Looking ahead, ESA envisions space-based solar power constellations comprising vast solar farms that would require novel solutions for assembly, maintenance, and operation. However, recent advancements in launch systems, robotics, and wireless power transmission are making these challenges increasingly more feasible.
Beyond providing a sustainable energy solution, SOLARIS fosters scientific and technological development with potential applications extending beyond space-based solar power. Collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners aim to address critical research questions while driving progress toward decarbonizing society.
As ESA showcases SOLARIS at the International Conference on Energy from Space, the initiative underscores the importance of collective efforts in combating the climate crisis. With space-based solar power poised to play a pivotal role, the prospect of achieving carbon neutrality by the 2030s is within reach, offering a beacon of hope for a sustainable future.
Share this article:
