The sun is not always shining upon the Earth’s surface, but solar radiation is always available to be tapped in the extraterrestrial environment. Harnessing solar energy in this realm is envisioned in the form of giant solar farm satellites sited so as to receive sunlight 24 hours a day and beam the collected energy down strategically placed ground stations connected to the grid or major power users.

A first step toward realizing such long-distance capture and distribution of solar power was recently demonstrated: solar energy gathered by a satellite in orbit was successfully transmitted down to the Earth's surface and to nearby receivers in space. This wireless power transfer was demonstrated by the Microwave Array for Power-transfer Low-orbit Experiment, an experiment launched in January 2023 as part of California Institute of Technology’s Space Solar Power Project.

Space-based solar power could be an efficient source of clean and reliable energy on Earth. Source: ESA/CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO

Substantial improvements are still needed to allow future space-based solar farms to operate at the scale needed to become economically feasible. To support this evolving technology, the European Space Agency (ESA) is soliciting ideas for research activities to advance its implementation in a way that is safe for the public, the environment and ecosystems.

Academic or industrial entities with expertise in areas relevant to the proposed research activities are invited to submit an idea through ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform. Areas of interest include risks to human health, flora and fauna; atmospheric and meteorological effects; potential impacts on aviation and ground infrastructure; and the environmental impact and carbon costs of launch and deployment.

Prospective participants must submit research proposals by August 4, 2023.