Chinese scientists have announced a plan to build an enormous, 0. 6 mile (1 kilometer) wide solar power station in space that will beam continuous energy back to Earth via microwaves.
Will China build solar power stations in space?
China has reportedly announced an ambitious plan to build large-scale solar power stations in space with the help of super-heavy rockets. The South China Moring Post (SCMP) reported that a senior rocket scientist, Long Lehao, is leading this ambitious endeavor. He likens this project to “another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth.”
When did China start building a space solar power station?
In June 2021, China initiated the construction of its first experimental space solar power station in Bishan. In November 2023, researchers from the Xian University of Electronic Science and Technology published test results for the "Chasing Sun Project," the world's first complete ground verification system for space solar power.
Are space-based solar power stations the next big thing?
Space-based solar power stations are the next big thing. China is trying something bolder and bigger. China has reportedly announced an ambitious plan to build large-scale solar power stations in space with the help of super-heavy rockets.
Could a solar power station be built in space?
“Imagine installing a solar array 1km wide along the 36,000km geostationary orbit,” Long added as he delivered a lecture hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in October. Chinese rocket scientist reveals blueprint for 'incredible project' to build solar power station in space using super heavy rockets.
Where is China's new solar power plant located?
The plant, situated in the Yalong River Basin of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze in southwest China's Sichuan Province's Yajiang County, will cover the needs of 700,000 households for a whole year with its annual generating capacity of 2 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Can China build a solar satellite array?
China is not the only nation making plans for solar satellite arrays. Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are exploring the idea in the US, while the European Space Agency and Japan's JAXA space agency have also been investigating the technology.