“China’s Groundbreaking Solar Space Plant at 36,000 Kilometers Above Will Revolutionize Energy History”
The future of energy could shine from the vacuum of space. At 36,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, beyond the reach of planes, storms, and clouds, a bold project is taking shape. An installation that —if all goes according to plan— will directly transform sunlight into pure electricity and send it to Earth in the form of microwaves.
In space, the sun never sets. The orbital plant will consist of a network of solar panels over a kilometer long, connected to a conversion system that will turn sunlight into high-frequency microwaves. These waves will travel to Earth and be captured by receiving stations, where they will be converted back into electricity.
The roadmap has been detailed.
– In 2028, an experimental station will be launched to test wireless energy transmission from low Earth orbit.
– By 2035, the power should reach 10 megawatts, enough to power a small urban district.
– And by 2050, the main plant —located in geosynchronous orbit— is expected to generate up to 2 gigawatts, equivalent to a medium-sized nuclear power plant.
To achieve this, heavy-duty cargo rockets like the Starship will be needed to transport thousands of tons of materials. In space, robotic arms will assemble the panels and adjust their orientation to the sun with millimeter precision.
The concept of space-based solar power is not new. In the seventies, But costs and lack of technology shelved the idea for decades. Today, the decreasing costs of launches, component miniaturization, and advances in wireless transmission have turned that old dream into a tangible possibility. The challenge remains enormous. Microwave transmission must be extremely precise to avoid losses or interference, and ground receivers —vast arrays of antennas— must be placed in secure areas.
Beyond its technological value, symbolizes a new frontier in the relationship between Earth and space. Until now, the cosmos had been a place for observation, communication, or exploration. This project proposes something different: turning space into an active source of energy for the planet. If successful, it could mark the beginning of an era where satellites not only send data but also electricity. An orbital infrastructure capable of powering terrestrial electrical grids or even lunar bases. The Surrey plant, where the first microwave wireless transmission system at scale was tested, is just a glimpse of what is to come.
Meanwhile, the world watches. Because if this construction succeeds, the sky will no longer be just a border: it will be an extension of the Earth’s energy system.
Technical Analysis
Located 36,000 kilometers away, a metallic structure is set to begin converting light into electricity in the vacuum of space. This innovative technology will revolutionize the way we perceive energy generation, signaling a shift from traditional sources to solar power from space.
