Startup takes new approach to space-based solar power

Aetherflux aims to launch a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit to collect solar power and beam it to Earth using infrared lasers.

A startup led by a founder of a financial services company is taking a new approach to space-based solar power intended to be more scalable and affordable than previous concepts.

Aetherflux announced Oct. 9 plans to develop and ultimately deploy a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit that will collect solar power and beam it to Earth using infrared lasers. The company is planning to demonstrate this technology with a small satellite launching by early 2026.

The concept is a departure from many previous concepts for space-based solar power (SBSP), which have involved large arrays in geostationary orbit. Those systems would transmit their power using microwaves to large rectennas on the ground. Such concepts have been studied for more than half a century but have not advanced beyond the drawing board.

Click here to read the full article
Source: Space News

—

If you have any questions or thoughts about the topic, feel free to contact us here or leave a comment below.

/0 Comments/by
You might also like
The FPSC on Gao’s wearable sweat sensor has a record-breaking PCE exceeding 31 percent under indoor light illumination.New Caltech wearable sensor sets record for solar power efficiency
Carter believes that the Solar Workforce Accelerator Program helps schools save money and shows people that solar power is accessible.Solar apprenticeship program benefits southwest Virginia communities
US electricity generation is expected to increase by 3% – 121B kilowatthours – this year compared to 2023, largely driven by solar powerUS generation projected to rise 3% this year, mostly driven by solar
NGOs and governments have implemented renewable energy plans in different communities in the Amazon with positive results.Electricity day and night: Solar power is changing isolated Amazon communities
At least $25.7B in new US clean-energy factories are in the works. Most of these projects and jobs are in traditionally conservative states.Green factories are changing minds in more conservative US states
Florida is next in line after the top 15 solar states, landing in 16th in the overall rankings for solar adoption.Here are the top solar power states in the USA (Sunshine State just 16th)
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *