First Successful Space-Based Solar Power Demonstration Transmits Energy to Earth

The long-theorized concept of collecting solar energy in space and beaming it to Earth has achieved a significant milestone with the successful demonstration of end-to-end power transmission from orbit. The SOLARIS-1 demonstration mission, a collaboration between the European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and commercial partners including Airbus Defence and Space, has transmitted usable electrical power from its orbital test platform to a receiving station in the Australian outback.

While the demonstration was modest in scale—transmitting 1.7 kilowatts of power to a ground station—it validates the core technologies required for space-based solar power and represents the first time that energy collected in orbit has been successfully converted to electricity on Earth in a controlled experiment. The achievement opens a potential pathway to virtually unlimited clean energy by harvesting solar power in space, where sunlight is available 24 hours a day without atmospheric interference or weather disruptions, and transmitting it to receiving stations on Earth.

Technical Demonstration Components

Orbital Power Collection System

The mission demonstrated key collection technologies:

Lightweight Solar Array Design:

Ultrathin photovoltaic material at 120g/m²
85 m² total collection area when deployed
33.7% conversion efficiency solar cells
Concentration optics enhancing effective collection
Mechanical deployment system with 98.5% reliability

Power Management Architecture:

Distributed conversion electronics across array
Dynamic load balancing between collection zones
Radiation-hardened power conditioning
Automated fault detection and isolation
Reconfigurable power routing paths

Thermal Management Solutions:

Passive radiative cooling for electronics
Heat pipe distribution network across structure
Temperature differential minimization techniques
Thermal cycling resilience through flexible connections
Operating temperature maintained between -15°C and +45°C

Structural Innovations:

Tensegrity-based deployment mechanism
Carbon fiber composite primary structure
Shape memory alloy actuators for deployment
Vibration damping through active control
Mass efficiency of 145 W/kg achieved

Dr. Hiroshi Yamada, JAXA’s principal investigator for the mission, explained that “the successful deployment and operation of the lightweight collection system validates our approach to dramatically reducing launch mass. This is critical since the economics of space-based solar power depend fundamentally on minimizing the mass that must be lifted to orbit per watt of power delivered.”

Wireless Power Transmission System

The core technology enabling energy transfer demonstrated success:

Microwave Transmission Design:

5.8 GHz transmission frequency
Retrodirective phased array with 1,024 elements
Real-time beam forming and targeting
82% conversion efficiency from DC to RF
Narrow beam divergence with safety features

Phase Control Mechanisms:

Pilot signal from ground for phase reference
Sub-nanosecond synchronization across array
Real-time phase correction algorithms
Adaptive compensation for structural distortion
Beam coherence maintained within 5° phase variance

Safety and Control Systems:

Multiple independent transmission cutoffs
Continuous beam profile monitoring
Power density limited to 23 mW/cm² at ground level
Automated failsafe mechanisms
Redundant control computers with voting logic

Testing and Calibration Protocols:

In-orbit diagnostic measurements
Ground-based beam quality assessment
Transmission efficiency characterization
End-to-end system performance verification
Iterative optimization through test cycles

The wireless power transmission system achieved 92.7% of its theoretical maximum efficiency, exceeding the mission’s success criteria. Professor Elena Martínez, Airbus Defence and Space’s chief engineer for the project, noted that “the demonstration confirms our ability to precisely control a microwave beam across the 410-kilometer transmission distance, maintaining focus and safely delivering power to the targeted receiver.”

Ground Receiving Infrastructure

The terrestrial component successfully captured the transmitted energy:

Rectenna Array Configuration:

50-meter diameter receiving area
7,650 rectifying antenna elements
Schottky diode-based RF-to-DC conversion
85% reception efficiency achieved
Modular design for easy scaling

Power Conditioning Equipment:

DC-to-AC conversion for grid compatibility
Power quality management systems
Thermal management for rectenna elements
Automated impedance matching
Performance monitoring instrumentation

Safety and Monitoring Systems:

Real-time beam pattern monitoring
Thermal imaging for hotspot detection
Wildlife detection and protection measures
Automated emergency shutdown capability
Environmental parameter monitoring

Site Selection Considerations:

Remote location minimizing RF interference
Proximity to existing transmission infrastructure
Minimal cloud cover and precipitation
Controlled airspace for safety
Indigenous land use agreement and consultation

The ground station was constructed in South Australia’s Woomera Prohibited Area, chosen for its remote location, existing infrastructure from space and defense activities, and favorable atmospheric conditions. The rectenna successfully converted the received microwave energy into 1.7 kilowatts of electrical power, which was used to power the site’s monitoring equipment and feed a small amount of excess energy into the local grid.

Technical Performance Results

Power Transmission Efficiency

The system demonstrated encouraging efficiency metrics:

End-to-End System Performance:

8.4% total system efficiency (solar-to-grid)
1.7 kW delivered power at ground receiver
Stable transmission maintained for 97 minutes
Performance consistent across three demonstration cycles
Real-world results within 3% of predicted models

Efficiency Breakdown Analysis:

33.7% solar-to-DC conversion in space
82% DC-to-RF conversion efficiency
94% transmission path efficiency (space losses)
85% RF-to-DC conversion at rectenna
97% DC power conditioning efficiency

Performance Variability Factors:

±0.5% variation due to thermal cycling
Minimal atmospheric attenuation under clear conditions
Pointing accuracy maintained within 0.002° tolerance
Beam pattern stability exceeding requirements
Power fluctuation less than 2% during transmission

Scaling Projections Based on Results:

Efficiency improvements of 5-7% identified for next iteration
Pathway to 12% end-to-end efficiency demonstrated
Thermal management techniques validated for larger scale
Mass efficiency improvements of 15% achievable
Transmission distance scalable to higher orbits

Dr. Sophie Williams, ESA’s mission director, emphasized that “while 8.4% end-to-end efficiency might seem modest, it represents remarkable performance for a first demonstration and actually exceeds our target by nearly 1%. More importantly, we’ve identified clear pathways to significantly higher efficiency in subsequent systems, potentially approaching 15-20% for commercial implementations.”

System Stability and Control

Critical control systems performed as designed:

Beam Pointing Accuracy:

0.002° average pointing error
Real-time adjustment at 100Hz update rate
Automated pilot signal tracking
Compensation for orbital mechanics
Wind-induced ground station movement correction

Power Level Stability:

Output power maintained within ±2%
Load variation response within 10ms
Dynamic adjustment to receiver feedback
Thermal equilibrium maintained throughout test
Consistent performance across orbital day/night cycles

Safety System Performance:

Multiple fail-safe triggers tested successfully
Beam pattern continuously monitored
Power density measurements matching predictions
Automatic shutdown test executed as planned
Redundant systems functioned as designed

System Response Testing:

Simulated component failures handled appropriately
Communication interruption recovery demonstrated
Rapid restart capability verified
Partial deployment scenario tested
Off-nominal orbital conditions simulated

The mission included several deliberate anomaly tests to verify system response, including a simulated loss of the pilot signal from the ground station, which resulted in immediate beam defocusing as a safety measure. “The control systems performed exactly as designed under all test conditions,” noted Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, lead systems engineer. “This demonstrates that we can safely control power transmission across hundreds of kilometers while maintaining efficiency and responding appropriately to any anomalies.”

Environmental Measurements

Extensive monitoring confirmed safety parameters:

Beam Characteristics Verification:

Power density profile matching predicted model
Maximum 23 mW/cm² at ground station center
Rapid power density decrease outside target area
Sidelobe levels below 0.1 mW/cm²
Frequency stability within 0.02 MHz

Weather Impact Assessment:

Performance tested during clear conditions
Light cloud passage causing 3-5% attenuation
Rainfall test showing 12-18% transmission loss
Temperature variation effects quantified
Humidity impact measured as negligible

Electromagnetic Compatibility:

No detectable interference with aircraft systems
Communications equipment operating normally
No impact on radio astronomy observations
GPS reception unaffected in vicinity
Local wildlife monitoring showing no behavioral changes

Thermal Effects Monitoring:

Ground station temperature rise less than 1.2°C
No detectable heating of air column
Infrared monitoring confirming thermal models
Materials performance within expected parameters
No thermal stress observed in rectenna components

“Environmental monitoring was a critical aspect of this demonstration,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Chen, the project’s environmental science lead. “The measurements confirm our models predicting minimal environmental impact from the power beam. The power densities involved are comparable to common wireless technologies like mobile phones and WiFi, though focused on a specific receiving area.”

Future Development Pathway

Technical Evolution Roadmap

The mission informs next development steps:

Near-Term Technology Improvements:

Photovoltaic efficiency increase to 40%+
Transmission array miniaturization
Advanced materials reducing structural mass
Higher frequency operations for smaller receivers
Improved power electronics efficiency

Planned Demonstration Scaling:

100 kW transmission demonstration by 2027
1 MW pilot system by 2029
Multiple receiver capability demonstration
Higher orbit testing from 1,200 km
Extended duration operational testing

Manufacturing Advancement Requirements:

In-space assembly techniques development
Automated deployment systems
Standardized modular components
Radiation-hardened electronics at lower cost
Mass production of specialized RF components

System Architecture Evolution:

Modular design enabling incremental deployment
Distributed satellite constellation approach
Shared transmission infrastructure concepts
Integration with space-based manufacturing
Dual-purpose systems with communication capabilities

The SOLARIS-1 results have already informed the design of the follow-on SOLARIS-2 mission, scheduled for launch in 2027, which will aim to deliver 100 kilowatts to a ground station while testing more advanced technologies. “Each step builds on the previous demonstration,” explained ESA’s Williams. “SOLARIS-2 will be approximately 50 times more powerful and incorporate several critical technological advances that will further improve efficiency and reduce costs.”

Commercial Viability Analysis

Economic assessment shows improving outlook:

Cost Trajectory Projections:

Current demonstration at approximately €80,000/kW
SOLARIS-2 targeting €25,000/kW implementation
Commercial pilot projections of €15,000/kW by 2029
Utility-scale system pathway to €2,000-3,000/kW
Long-term potential below €1,000/kW with mass production

Launch Cost Considerations:

Current launch costs remain significant constraint
Heavy-lift vehicle cost reductions critical to economics
In-space manufacturing reducing launch mass requirements
Partial space resource utilization by 2035
Launch representing 45% of initial system cost

Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis:

Demonstration system: not economically viable
First commercial systems: €0.50-0.85/kWh projected
2035 utility-scale systems: €0.12-0.18/kWh potential
2040+ systems with in-space manufacturing: €0.05-0.08/kWh
Competitive with premium clean energy sources by mid-2030s

Business Model Evolution:

Initial government-sponsored demonstration systems
Public-private partnerships for pilot deployment
Power purchase agreements for commercial systems
Utility ownership model for mature technology
Potential energy-as-a-service offering for remote locations

A comprehensive economic analysis by Oxford Economics suggests that space-based solar power could reach cost parity with other dispatchable clean energy sources by the mid-2030s, assuming continued reduction in launch costs and successful development of in-space manufacturing capabilities. “The economic pathway remains challenging but is increasingly viable given trends in both space access costs and the rising value of continuous, clean power,” noted their report.

Applications and Market Development

Several potential early applications have been identified:

Disaster Response and Humanitarian Applications:

Rapidly deployable power for disaster zones
Remote hospital and infrastructure support
Isolated community electrification
Military forward operating base power
Emergency backup for critical infrastructure

Island and Remote Location Energy:

Alternative to diesel generation for islands
Mining operation power in remote locations
Off-grid industrial facility support
Isolated research station power
Remote tourism development enablement

Premium Grid Support Services:

Guaranteed baseload renewable energy
Grid stability and frequency control services
Black start capability after outages
Premium power for data centers requiring reliability
Supplemental power during peak demand events

Specialized Industrial Applications:

Process heat for industrial applications
Desalination plant power supply
Green hydrogen production facilities
Carbon capture energy provision
Vertical farming operations requiring consistent lighting

The International Energy Agency has identified space-based solar power as a potential “breakthrough technology” in its latest Emerging Energy Technologies report. “While still in early development, SBSP offers unique capabilities—particularly ²⁴⁄₇ availability—that complement terrestrial renewables and could serve specialized markets where reliability commands premium pricing,” stated the report.

Collaborative Program Structure

International Partnership Framework

The mission represents successful global collaboration:

Multi-Agency Coordination Structure:

European Space Agency: system integration and mission management
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency: photovoltaic and RF technology
Australian Space Agency: ground segment and testing facilities
Canadian Space Agency: structural systems contribution
Commercial partners including Airbus Defence and Space, Mitsubishi Electric, and SpaceX

Funding Distribution and Investment:

€175 million total program cost
52% European contribution
28% Japanese contribution
15% Australian contribution
5% Canadian contribution
Remainder from commercial partners

Regulatory Framework Development:

International Telecommunication Union frequency allocation
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs consultation
International Civil Aviation Organization coordination
World Health Organization safety standard alignment
National regulatory approvals in participating countries

Knowledge Sharing Arrangements:

Core intellectual property jointly owned by partners
Published scientific results and data
Educational initiatives across partner countries
Technology transfer protocols for developing nations
International standards development participation

The mission represents one of the most extensive international space collaborations outside the International Space Station program. “This technology is too important and too complex for any single nation to develop alone,” explained Jean-Michel Roux, ESA’s international cooperation director. “The collaborative approach has accelerated development while ensuring that multiple perspectives inform safety and regulatory considerations.”

Commercial Partner Ecosystem

Industry plays critical roles in development:

Major Aerospace Prime Contractors:

Airbus Defence and Space: system integration and space segment
Mitsubishi Electric: RF transmission components
MDA: structural systems and deployment mechanisms
SSTL: spacecraft bus and control systems
SSL: ground segment integration

Specialized Technology Providers:

Emrod: wireless power transmission expertise
Oxford PV: high-efficiency photovoltaic technology
AZUR SPACE Solar Power: radiation-hardened solar cells
Airborne: lightweight composite structures
Alpha Data: radiation-hardened computing

Launch and Operations Partners:

SpaceX: launch services provider
Kongsberg Satellite Services: ground station operations
Virgin Orbit: small-scale component testing flights
Telespazio: communications infrastructure
Planet: supplementary observation services

Research Institution Collaboration:

California Institute of Technology: phased array optimization
University of Surrey: space technology integration
Tokyo University: wireless power transmission
RMIT Australia: rectenna design and testing
Fraunhofer Institute: solar cell development

The involvement of commercial partners has been critical to addressing the complex engineering challenges of the mission. “This demonstration leverages decades of commercial development in space systems, wireless power, and advanced materials,” noted David Williams, CEO of partner company Emrod. “The public-private partnership model has accelerated development while creating a sustainable industrial base for future systems.”

Technical Challenges and Solutions

Key Engineering Hurdles

Several critical challenges required innovative solutions:

Mass Reduction Imperatives:

Ultra-lightweight structural materials development
Integrated photovoltaic and structure designs
Minimalist deployment mechanisms
Multi-functional components reducing part count
Advanced manufacturing techniques for mass optimization

Thermal Management Complexity:

Waste heat dissipation from power electronics
Temperature gradient management across structure
Thermal cycling mitigation techniques
Radiative cooling optimization
Phase change material implementation for transients

Precise Beam Control Requirements:

Distributed phase control across large aperture
Real-time structural deformation compensation
Pilot signal tracking and synchronization
Sidelobe management and control
Failsafe beam termination implementations

Space Environment Resilience:

Radiation hardening of sensitive electronics
Micrometeoroid and debris protection
Atomic oxygen resistance for materials
Charged particle environment management
Plasma interaction mitigation for high-voltage systems

“The most significant engineering challenge was simultaneously solving the mass, power, and thermal constraints while maintaining precision control of the microwave beam,” explained Dr. Martinez. “This required innovations in multiple domains—from materials science to control theory—with all systems working in concert to achieve the demonstration objectives.”

Safety Assurance Mechanisms

Multiple layers ensure operational safety:

Beam Control Safety Systems:

Physical beam divergence limitations
Multiple independent cutoff mechanisms
Constant pilot signal requirement for operation
Real-time beam pattern monitoring
Automated power reduction for pattern anomalies

Biological Exposure Protections:

Power density limitations well below international standards
Exclusion zone enforcement around receiving site
Continuous biological monitoring program
Safety margin exceeding 10x below thermal effect thresholds
Real-time exposure measurement and verification

Aviation and Orbital Safety:

Coordination with air traffic control authorities
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) procedures established
Automated aircraft detection and beam interruption
Satellite conjunction analysis and avoidance
Space debris mitigation planning

Fail-Safe Design Philosophy:

Default safe state upon any anomaly
Multiple redundant safety systems
Independent verification and validation
Regular safety case review and updating
Conservative operating parameters

Safety considerations were paramount in the system design, with multiple organizations including the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reviewing the safety case before testing approval. “We implemented a defense-in-depth approach to safety,” noted Dr. James Wilson, the mission’s safety director. “Multiple independent systems ensure that the beam cannot exceed safe power densities under any failure scenario, and extensive monitoring confirms that theoretical models match real-world performance.”

Future Research Requirements

Ongoing development needs include:

Materials Science Advances:

Higher efficiency, radiation-resistant solar cells
Lighter structural materials with improved stiffness
Improved RF components with lower losses
Thermal management materials for extreme environments
Self-healing materials for micrometeoroid damage

System Scaling Challenges:

In-space assembly and manufacturing techniques
Kilometer-scale structure deployment methods
Power distribution across massive structures
Formation flying for distributed architectures
Maintenance and servicing strategies

Long-Term Reliability Enhancement:

15+ year component lifetime verification
Radiation effects mitigation for extended duration
Micrometeoroid and debris impact resilience
Graceful degradation architecture
On-orbit repair and replacement capabilities

Advanced Control Techniques:

Machine learning for structural control optimization
Distributed autonomy for large arrays
Self-calibrating phased array systems
Adaptive beam forming algorithms
Fault detection and reconfiguration strategies

Professor Thomas Chen from Caltech’s Space Solar Power Project, which collaborated on the SOLARIS-1 mission, emphasized that “while this demonstration validates the core physics and engineering approach, significant research challenges remain in scaling to commercially relevant power levels. Particularly important are advances in lightweight structures, in-space assembly, and autonomous control of large, flexible space systems.”

Expert Perspectives and Significance

Scientific Community Assessment

Researchers offer varied evaluations:

Positive Scientific Assessments:

“A landmark demonstration of multi-domain engineering integration.” —Dr. Rachel Williams, MIT Space Systems Laboratory
“Validates decades of theoretical work on wireless power transmission.” —Professor Robert Jackson, University of Michigan
“Remarkable achievement in precision control across significant distance.” —Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy
“Critical proof-of-concept for space-based energy generation.” —Professor Miguel Rodriguez, Technical University of Madrid

Technical Limitation Perspectives:

“Significant challenges remain in scaling to commercial relevance.” —Dr. Patricia Chen, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
“Economic viability still requires order-of-magnitude cost reduction.” —Professor David Wilson, Oxford Institute for Energy Studies
“Environmental impacts need further study at larger scales.” —Dr. Sarah Miller, Environmental Systems Research Institute
“Competing technologies may achieve cost targets more quickly.” —Professor James Martin, Carnegie Mellon University

Research Direction Recommendations:

“Focus on in-space assembly to overcome launch constraints.” —Dr. Thomas Brown, NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate
“Investigate hybrid systems combining communication and power.” —Professor Lisa Johnson, Georgia Tech Research Institute
“Pursue higher frequency transmission for smaller receivers.” —Dr. Michael Chang, Communications Research Centre Canada
“Develop recyclable and in-space serviceable architectures.” —Professor Anika Patel, University College London

Historical Context Perspectives:

“Comparable to first satellite communications demonstrations.” —Dr. Robert Wong, Space Technology Historical Society
“Fulfills vision first articulated by Peter Glaser in 1968.” —Professor Emma van den Berg, International Academy of Astronautics
“Demonstrates viability of space-based utilities beyond communications.” —Dr. Carlos Martinez, Space Policy Institute
“Represents first true space-to-Earth power infrastructure.” —Professor Hiroshi Takahashi, University of Tokyo

The scientific consensus acknowledges both the significant achievement and remaining challenges. As Dr. Williams of MIT noted: “This demonstration does for space-based solar power what the first satellite communications tests did for that industry—proves the fundamental concept works while highlighting the engineering challenges that must be solved for commercial viability.”

Energy Sector Implications

Power industry experts consider potential impacts:

Utility Integration Perspectives:

“Potential for truly dispatchable renewable generation.” —Sarah Johnson, International Energy Agency
“Valuable for grid stability as intermittent renewables increase.” —Dr. Thomas Wilson, Electric Power Research Institute
“Could serve as premium power for critical applications.” —Michael Rodriguez, Global Energy Systems Analysis
“Transmission and distribution integration requires planning.” —Professor Lisa Brown, Imperial College London

Economic Competitiveness Evaluation:

“Not yet cost-competitive with terrestrial renewables.” —James Miller, BloombergNEF
“Specialized applications could support early deployment.” —Dr. Elizabeth Martin, McKinsey Energy Insights
“Premium markets exist where reliability commands high prices.” —Professor David Chen, Harvard Business School
“Long-term cost trajectory shows promise for grid parity.” —Dr. Michael Thompson, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Energy Security Considerations:

“Potential for energy independence from geographic constraints.” —General Robert Jackson (ret.), Energy Security Council
“Reduces vulnerability to terrestrial infrastructure disruption.” —Dr. Patricia Williams, Critical Infrastructure Protection Institute
“Diversifies clean energy portfolio beyond weather-dependent sources.” —Professor Carlos Rodriguez, Energy Futures Initiative
“Globally accessible energy source regardless of geography.” —Dr. Emma Chen, International Energy Forum

Policy and Regulatory Framework Needs:

“Requires international coordination on frequency allocation.” —Sarah Wilson, International Telecommunication Union
“Regulatory frameworks need development for novel energy source.” —Dr. Thomas Brown, Energy Regulators Association
“Cross-border energy transmission protocols necessary.” —Professor Anika Patel, Global Energy Governance Initiative
“Safety standards harmonization critical for global deployment.” —Dr. Miguel Martinez, International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency’s renewable energy director summarized: “Space-based solar power represents a potentially transformative addition to our clean energy portfolio—particularly as a source of continuous, dispatchable power independent of weather and climate conditions. While economic hurdles remain significant, the unique capabilities justify continued development alongside our existing renewable technologies.”

Climate and Sustainability Analysis

Environmental experts consider broader implications:

Carbon Reduction Potential:

Zero operational carbon emissions once deployed
Life cycle assessment showing favorable carbon intensity
Manufacturing emissions amortized over 15+ year lifespan
Launch emissions significant but declining with reusable vehicles
Potential to displace fossil fuel baseload generation

Resource Utilization Considerations:

No land use requirements beyond receiving stations
Receiving stations compatible with agricultural use
No water consumption for operation
Critical mineral requirements for manufacturing
Potential for space resources utilization long-term

Environmental Risk Assessment:

Minimal atmospheric heating from power transmission
No wildlife impact observed at test power densities
Low-frequency electromagnetic field effects well studied
Ionospheric interaction negligible at selected frequency
End-of-life disposal protocols required for space segment

Sustainability Governance Requirements:

Life cycle management for space hardware
Responsible space operations standards
Space debris mitigation compliance
Environmental impact monitoring requirements
International oversight of global commons utilization

The Rocky Mountain Institute’s analysis concluded that “space-based solar power represents a potentially valuable addition to the clean energy portfolio, particularly for applications requiring continuous power delivery independent of local conditions. While the environmental footprint of launch activities remains a concern, this is declining with reusable launch systems, and the zero-emissions operation offers compelling long-term environmental benefits if economic viability can be achieved.”

Conclusion

The successful SOLARIS-1 demonstration represents a significant milestone in the development of space-based solar power, moving the concept from theoretical possibility to demonstrated technology. By successfully transmitting usable power from orbit to Earth, the international team has validated the core physics and engineering approaches required for larger-scale implementations, while identifying clear pathways for further development.

While substantial challenges remain—particularly in scaling the technology to commercially relevant power levels and reducing costs—the demonstration provides empirical data supporting the technical feasibility of space-based solar power as a potential component of future clean energy systems. The ability to deliver continuous, weather-independent renewable energy from space could complement terrestrial renewable sources and help address challenges of intermittency and storage.

The collaborative international approach to the mission highlights both the complexity of the challenge and its potential global significance. As Dr. Yamada of JAXA observed at the successful completion of the demonstration: “Today we transmitted a small amount of power—enough to run a few household appliances. But we have also transmitted something more significant: proof that this technology can work, and hope that humanity can develop new sources of abundant clean energy.”

The SOLARIS-1 mission now transitions to an extended testing phase, during which the team will characterize system performance under various conditions while preparing for the more capable SOLARIS-2 mission planned for 2027. If development continues successfully, the first limited commercial applications could emerge in the 2030s, potentially growing into a significant component of the global clean energy mix by mid-century.

Power from Space