China gears up to develop solar power stations in space that can transfer the sun's energy in the orbit back to the ground on Earth. It draws from the idea of space-based solar power.
China is undertaking an ambitious project to build solar power stations in space, a venture that Long Lehao, a senior Chinese scientist, likened to "another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth," according to South China Morning Post. The plan is to use super heavy rockets for construction.
When did China start building a space solar power station?
In June 2021, China initiated the construction of its first experimental space solar power station in Bishan. In November 2023, researchers from the Xian University of Electronic Science and Technology published test results for the "Chasing Sun Project," the world's first complete ground verification system for space solar power.
Are space-based solar power stations the next big thing?
Space-based solar power stations are the next big thing. China is trying something bolder and bigger. China has reportedly announced an ambitious plan to build large-scale solar power stations in space with the help of super-heavy rockets.
Will a solar power station be able to beam energy back to Earth?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. Chinese scientists have announced a plan to build an enormous, 0.6 mile (1 kilometer) wide solar power station in space that will beam continuous energy back to Earth via microwaves.
Could Super Heavy rockets build solar power stations in space?
A senior Chinese scientist has revealed an ambitious plan to use super heavy rockets to build solar power stations in space, calling it “another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth”. Space-based solar power stations collect energy from the sun in Earth's orbit and transmit it to the ground, providing continuous power.
“Imagine installing a solar array 1km wide along the 36,000km geostationary orbit,” Long added as he delivered a lecture hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in October. Chinese rocket scientist reveals blueprint for 'incredible project' to build solar power station in space using super heavy rockets.