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China is embarking on an ambitious project: building a massive solar power station in space. This initiative could revolutionize energy production, offering a nearly limitless power source.
A Giant Leap for Energy
Imagine a power source unaffected by weather or nighttime, beaming clean energy directly to Earth. That’s the promise of space-based solar power (SBSP). China aims to make this a reality.
Long Lehao, a prominent rocket scientist, likened the project’s significance to “moving the Three Gorges Dam to geostationary orbit.” This underscores the scale and potential impact of the endeavor.
How It Works
SBSP stations use mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto solar panels, generating electricity. This electricity is then converted into microwaves and transmitted to receiving antennas on Earth.
The advantage? Uninterrupted sunlight. A NASA study suggests that SBSP could generate power 99% of the year, far exceeding the capabilities of terrestrial solar panels.
“The energy collected in one year would be equivalent to the total amount of oil that can be extracted from the Earth,” said Long, highlighting the immense energy potential.
Challenges and Solutions
The sheer size of the project presents a significant hurdle. The solar array is expected to span a kilometer once assembled. Some call it the “Manhattan Project” of energy.
Transporting the array into space requires heavy-lift rockets. China is developing the Long March-9 (CZ-9), a reusable rocket capable of lifting at least 150 tons – equivalent to a full-grown blue whale.
Constructing the International Space Station required numerous launches. Assembling an SBSP station will likely demand even more. However, launch costs are decreasing globally, making the prospect more feasible.
A Global Space Race?
China’s space ambitions extend beyond solar power. They plan to reach the Moon and build a lunar research station with Russia by 2035. Japan is also aiming to beam solar power from space to Earth.
Space-based solar power may well be the next frontier in the space race, promising a future of clean, abundant energy.
Learn more about Space-Based Solar Power