Japan is set to launch the world’s first space-based solar power plant in 2025 as part of its OHISAMA program. The announcement was made during the International Conference on Space Energy in April 2024. The initiative aims to harness electricity in space and transmit it back to Earth using microwave beams.
The demonstration mission will involve launching a small satellite into orbit, capable of generating 1 kW/hour of energy. The satellite will be positioned in low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 400 km. It will be equipped with a photoelectric solar panel and an energy converter to transform generated energy into microwave radiation directed towards a receiving antenna on Earth. The receiving antenna, developed under the OHISAMA program, will span an area of 40 km.
According to Koichi Ijichi, an adviser at the Japanese research institute Japan Space Systems, transferring energy to Earth will take no more than 5 minutes. The company also plans to launch a mini replica of its solar station aboard an aircraft to demonstrate wireless energy transfer over a distance of 5-7 km.
The potential of space-based solar energy is transformative. Ground-based solar plants face limitations due to geographical and meteorological conditions, as well as nighttime conditions. A space-based power plant in low Earth orbit would overcome these limitations, enabling uninterrupted 24-hour energy generation.
However, there are concerns regarding the environmental impact and cost of this technology. Launching orbital power plants requires rocket launches, which raises questions about the “greenness” of the technology and its potential greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the cost of electricity produced through space-based solar power is estimated to be 12 times higher than energy produced on Earth. These assessments are preliminary and further technological improvements could lower costs and improve efficiency.
Overall, Japan’s plans to launch the world’s first space-based solar power plant in 2025 have the potential to revolutionize renewable energy generation. While there are challenges to overcome, such as environmental impact and cost, the benefits of uninterrupted 24-hour energy generation make this an exciting development in the field of alternative energy. Continued research and technological advancements will likely lead to improvements in the sector, making space-based solar power a viable and sustainable energy source in the future.
