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 using microwaves or lasers.
The core idea behind SSPS is to construct massive solar power stations in space that can collect sunlight continuously, convert it into electricity, and then beam it down to receiving stations on Earth. Unlike ground-based solar farms, these systems are not affected by weather conditions or night-time darkness, making them highly efficient. A single SSPS measuring 2.5 kilometers by 2.3 kilometers could generate up to one gigawatt of power—equivalent to a conventional nuclear power plant.
JAXA has been focusing on two key technologies: the construction of large structures in space and the safe transmission of energy via microwaves or lasers. The agency is also working on methods to fold and launch solar sails using rockets, enabling them to unfold once in orbit. These efforts are part of long-term planning aimed at making space-based solar power a viable energy source.
Initially, JAXA aimed to conduct experimental tests in space by 2017 and begin commercial deployment around 2030. However, due to various challenges, including high costs and technical complexities, this timeline is now considered unrealistic. The agency is expected to announce revised plans in the near future.
One of the major hurdles is the staggering cost. JAXA originally estimated the total cost of building an SSPS at around 1 trillion yen (approximately $9.8 billion), but experts believe this figure is far too low. The scale of the project requires multiple launches, advanced materials, and extensive infrastructure, all of which add significantly to the budget.
The proposed SSPS design would be about 750 times larger than the International Space Station and weigh over 26,600 tons. With Japan's current H-2A rocket capable of carrying only 5–6 tons to geostationary orbit, and each launch costing around 10 billion yen, the logistics of assembling such a structure in space pose a significant challenge.
Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of microwave transmission and its potential impact on the environment and human health. If Japan were to use laser technology instead, the system could be smaller, but lasers face limitations in penetrating clouds, reducing their reliability during adverse weather conditions.
Despite these challenges, research into space-based solar power continues, driven by the promise of a clean, sustainable, and virtually limitless energy source. As technology advances, the dream of harnessing the sun’s power from space may one day become a reality.
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