Space-based solar power (SBSP or SSP) is the conversion of solar energy into power, usable either in space or on earth, from a location in space, usually geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). Photovoltaics (PV) would generally be utilized for energy conversion and microwave technology could be applied for wireless energy transmission through space, and to the planet's surface. Dynamic solar thermal power systems are also being investigated.[1] In space, the sun shines constantly and has greater intensity than on earth.
Many problems associated with weight and atmospheric corrosion are eliminated, but other problems take their place like radiation damage to a solar cell limiting its lifetime, or micrometeoroids impacting the fragile solar cells. On earth, diurnal rotation and the associated change from day to night allows collection only during daylight hours. Outside of earth's atmosphere, average solar energy per unit area is on the order of ten times that available on earth and increases as the sun is approached, although there are increased maintenance problems beyond acceptable solar radiation limits.
Producing electricity from sunlight in space is not a new or untried technology. Many space faring craft are covered in solar cells like rovers and shuttles. It has been utilized by hundreds of operating satellites. The major difference would be that SSP would capture much more energy and beam it to earth for our use.[2]
Future space solar power has the potential to solve global socioeconomic and environmental problems associated with reliance on finite fossil fuels and nuclear energy. It promises to use space outside of the earth's ecology system and has essentially no by-product waste, once established.
