Start Satellites orbiting high above Earth receive sunlight that is more than 10 times more intense than what reaches the ground in Europe, making them prime candidates for space-based solar power (SBSP). With the potential to continuously capture maximum sunlight by facing the Sun all day, SBSP satellites could beam energy down to Earth, the Moon, or other planets. Despite being in the early stages of development, ESA's recent focus on SBSP technologies through its Discovery program has sparked innovation and collaboration. The call for ideas aimed to address the challenge of efficiently converting solar energy into a usable form and transmitting it to Earth or other surfaces, aligning with the global push for technical solutions to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero goals post-COP26. The increasing accessibility and sustainability of space travel have also paved the way for advancements in SBSP technology.
Following the selection of 13 out of 85 proposed ideas for funding, ESA's initiative to explore diverse SBSP technologies is gaining momentum. The selected activities encompass a wide range of research areas, from enhancing sunlight collection efficiency to ensuring safe power transmission to Earth, as well as addressing the manufacturing and assembly challenges of large solar power satellites. By engaging a mix of entities, including academic institutions, start-ups, and traditional space companies, ESA is fostering a collaborative environment to propel SBSP development forward. The interdisciplinary nature of SBSP requires input from various perspectives, such as academic research, entrepreneurial innovation, industry expertise, and system integration. Through these efforts, ESA is not only planting seeds for technological advancements but also laying the groundwork for a future commercial market that could benefit Europe by providing clean, sustainable energy solutions while safeguarding the environment from further harm.