A team from the US Naval Research Laboratory have launched the first experiment with space-based solar power to take place in orbit. It’s hoped that the device will test the viability of orbital solar power systems converting sunlight to microwave energy outside of Earth’s atmosphere. Collecting solar power in space and wirelessly transmitting was first described by Isaac Asimov in 1941 in his short story Reason. Space-based solar power attracted considerable attention in the 1970s as the necessary individual technical components – such as photovoltaic cells, satellite technology and wireless power transmission – were developed. “One of the questions that comes up frequently with space solar and power beaming is the issue of safety.

Source: Forbes May 27, 2020 19:42 UTC