SPACE-BASED SOLAR POWER (SBSP)

NEWS: SBSP refers to the collection of solar energy in outer space (either in Earth’s orbit or on the lunar surface) and its subsequent transmission to Earth.

Space-Based Solar Power

• Collecting solar energy in space (via satellites or moon-based stations)
• Converting it into microwaves or laser beams
• Sending it to Earth for electricity generation

Lunar Ring Concept

• Proposed by Shimizu Corporation (Japan)
• Idea:
• Build 11,000 km long solar belt on Moon’s equator
• Use robots + lunar soil
• Beam energy to Earth
• Same principle as SBSP, but instead of satellites → Moon-based system

How Does It Work

Step-by-step:

• Solar panels collect sunlight in space
• Convert energy → microwave radiation
• Beam energy to Earth
• Ground stations convert microwaves → electricity

Advantages

• Continuous Energy: No night, no weather interruption
• High Efficiency: No atmospheric loss during collection
• Clean Energy: Zero emissions → helps climate goals
• Energy Security: Reduces dependence on fossil fuels

Challenges

• Extremely High Cost
  • Launching thousands of tonnes into space
  • Building infrastructure on Moon/orbit
• Logistical Challenges
  • Complex construction in space
  • Need for advanced robotics
• Energy Loss
  • During transmission: Microwaves lose energy as heat in atmosphere
• Space Risks
  • Space debris can destroy satellites
  • High maintenance cost
• Competition from Earth-Based
  • SolaràSolar panels + batteries on Earth are: Cheaper
  • Improving rapidly
  • Hence: Poor economic viability (currently)

India Angle

• ISRO working on: Solar energy research, Space technologies
• Future possibility: Could support: Energy security, Net-zero goals (2070 target)