In an ambitious stride towards clean energy, Chinese scientists and engineers are breaking new ground in solar technology.
A report from China Daily reveals that multiple teams in China are fervently working on a space-based solar power facility. This pioneering venture, led by senior researcher Hou Xinbin of the China Academy of Space Technology, aims to harness the sun’s energy continuously, a feat unachievable on Earth. The proposed facility will collect solar energy in space, convert it into electromagnetic forms like microwaves and laser beams, and then wirelessly transmit it back to Earth. This innovation could revolutionize how energy is gathered and distributed, offering a nonstop source of power.
Hou, who is also a member of the International Academy of Astronautics’ Permanent Committee on Space Solar Power, outlined the plan during an interview at an international space industry forum in Beijing. The project envisions deploying a pair of satellites – one to collect and convert solar power, and an
other to receive laser beams. A ground station will be responsible for receiving microwaves. This in-orbit testing system will demonstrate the potential of wireless power transfer. The venture, while promising, faces challenges in beaming laser power to Earth, component development, and accuracy in targeting ground stations.
Pang Zhihao, a space exploration technology expert, highlights the advantages of such a facility. It could generate power unaffected by Earth’s atmospheric and weather conditions, potentially yielding significantly more energy than terrestrial solar panels. Moreover, this pollution-free and limitless energy source could power spacecraft within its beaming range. This concept, first proposed by Peter Glaser in 1968, has seen renewed interest globally. Notably, the US Naval Research Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology have conducted similar experiments, signaling a growing commitment to space-based solar power as a sustainable energy solution.
Source: Emirates News Age
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