Space frontier foundation spase based solar power

What is the Space Frontier Foundation?

Founded in 1988, the Space Frontier Foundation is committed to realizing the vision of a greatly expanded and permanent human presence in space. To realize this vision, the Foundation is fundamentally transforming the conception of space into a widely accessible frontier, ripe with opportunity.

Could space-based solar power be more affordable?

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.

What is space-based solar power (SBSP)?

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.

Will aetherflux launch a satellite to test space-based solar power?

Aetherflux plans to launch an initial demonstration satellite to test its space-based solar power technologies by early 2026. Credit: Aetherflux WASHINGTON — 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.

Will future spacecraft generate more power?

Future spacecraft will generate more power at a lower cost per kilowatt-hour. That approach does present some technical challenges compared to earlier SBSP designs that, operating in geostationary orbit, appear fixed in the sky from the ground and are also in nearly continuous sunlight.