According to a report from the Japan Times on May 27, 2014, JAXA has been exploring the concept of large-scale solar sails for potential use in space-based power generation. This initiative is part of a broader vision for space-based solar power systems (SSPS), which aim to harness solar energy in geostationary orbit and transmit it to Earth via microwaves or lasers. Unlike terrestrial solar farms, these systems would not be affected by weather conditions, offering significantly higher efficiency—up to five to ten times that of ground-based installations.
A single SSPS measuring 2.5 kilometers by 2.3 kilometers could generate as much as 1 gigawatt of power, comparable to a conventional nuclear power plant. The technology involves building massive solar arrays in space, converting sunlight into electricity, and then transmitting the energy wirelessly to receiving stations on Earth. This approach could revolutionize global energy distribution, especially in remote or underdeveloped regions.
JAXA has been focusing on two main challenges: constructing large structures in space and developing efficient methods for energy transmission. One of their key projects involves folding solar sails into compact modules that can be launched via rockets and deployed in orbit. Despite the promising potential, the project has faced significant hurdles, including cost, technical complexity, and safety concerns.
Initially, JAXA aimed to conduct a space-based demonstration by 2017 and launch commercial operations by 2030. However, these timelines have become increasingly unrealistic due to various obstacles. The agency is now expected to announce revised plans in the near future. One of the biggest challenges remains the staggering cost—JAXA estimated the initial construction of an SSPS at around 1 trillion yen (approximately $9.8 billion), but experts believe this figure is far too low.
The proposed SSPS would be massive—about 750 times larger than the International Space Station and weighing over 26,600 tons. Such a structure would require numerous rocket launches, each with limited payload capacity. For example, Japan’s H-2A rocket can carry only 5 to 6 tons to geostationary orbit, and each mission costs roughly 10 billion yen. Additionally, there are serious concerns about the environmental and health impacts of microwave transmission, which must be thoroughly studied before any large-scale deployment.
While using laser beams instead of microwaves could reduce the size of the SSPS, lasers face a major drawback: they cannot penetrate clouds, making them less reliable for continuous energy transmission. As research continues, countries like China are also exploring similar concepts, with institutions such as the China Academy of Aerospace Science and Engineering actively contributing to the development of space-based solar technologies.
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