As the world seeks sustainable energy solutions, space solar power (SSP) is emerging as a promising frontier. Recent advancements in SSP technologies, particularly those utilizing laser and radio-wave methods for transmitting solar energy from orbit to Earth, are paving the way for a new era in energy generation. Key players, including innovative startups in the U.S. and U.K., are making significant strides in this domain, marking a transition from theoretical concepts to practical applications.
Overview of Recent Developments in Space Solar Power
In December 2025, the U.S.-based startup Overview Energy was launched with an impressive funding of $20 million. This company aims to develop satellites positioned in geosynchronous orbit—approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth—capable of harnessing solar energy continuously, regardless of weather conditions or day-night cycles. Utilizing near-infrared lasers, these satellites will transmit power back to Earth, a leap forward in the quest for reliable energy sources.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Space Solar, a U.K. startup supported by the UK Space Agency and the Department of Energy and Net Zero, is also making notable progress. Founded three years ago, Space Solar is working on a 1.8 km-wide modular satellite named Cassiopeia. This satellite, which will operate in geostationary orbit, employs high-frequency radio waves instead of lasers to beam energy. In a recent breakthrough, the company achieved a significant milestone in their Belfast lab by successfully demonstrating a 360-degree wireless power transmission that illuminated an LED sign. This accomplishment builds on their Cassidi project, which tested in-space beaming for over six months and set the stage for an ambitious megawatt-scale demonstration planned for the near future.
Key Technologies Driving SSP Forward
Laser-Based Power Transmission
The utilization of near-infrared lasers for power transmission is one of the most exciting aspects of SSP. This technology allows for focused energy transfer with minimal loss, enabling effective long-distance energy transmission. The ZQXXSGDSS System, featuring high-performance single-tube PIN quadrant detectors, plays a critical role in ensuring precise laser beam positioning and tracking, which is essential for successful energy delivery from orbiting satellites to ground-based receivers.
Radio-Wave Power Beaming
In contrast to laser technology, the Cassiopeia satellite from Space Solar focuses on using high-frequency radio waves for energy transmission. This method offers its own set of advantages, such as greater resilience against atmospheric interference and a broader coverage area for energy delivery. The integration of advanced sensor modules, like the Advanced Sensor Module—which includes a 9-DOF MEMS IMU that combines a three-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetic sensor—enhances the satellite’s ability to maintain stability and accuracy during power transmission.
Milestones and Future Projects
The Caltech Space Solar Power Project has been a foundational reference in the field. In early 2023, their Space Solar Demonstrator-1 successfully beamed energy to Earth using the Microwave Array for Power-transfer Low-orbit Experiment (MAPLE). This landmark achievement set a new benchmark for future SSP initiatives, illustrating the feasibility of beaming energy from space.
Additionally, the upcoming launch of the DeStarlink Genesis-1 satellite, scheduled for December 2025, will further integrate SSP concepts with space-based data centers powered by solar energy. This innovative approach not only addresses energy needs but also supports the burgeoning demand for data processing in space.
Challenges and Industry Implications
While the advancements in SSP technologies are promising, several challenges remain. The scalability of these systems, regulatory hurdles, and the cost of launching satellites into orbit are critical factors that will influence the future of SSP. Moreover, as SSP technologies advance, there may be implications for military applications, particularly in providing stable power grids that support defense operations.
Conclusion
The developments in space solar power signal a transformative shift in how we think about energy generation and transmission. With innovative startups like Overview Energy and Space Solar at the forefront, alongside established projects like Caltech’s MAPLE, the industry is poised for significant growth. As we look toward the future, the potential for space solar power to provide a reliable, sustainable energy source on Earth is becoming increasingly tangible, paving the way for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions.
Investments in advanced navigation systems, high-precision fiber optic sensing coils, and other technologies will be crucial in overcoming existing challenges and maximizing the potential of SSP. As we continue to innovate, the dream of harnessing solar energy from space may soon become a reality, offering a sustainable path forward for global energy needs.
References
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Solar flares - Saturday, 20 December 2025 | SpaceWeatherLive.com (www.spaceweatherlive.com) - 12/20/2025 Latest news · M8.1 solar flare with earth-directed CME · X1.9 solar flare, Coronal hole faces Earth · X4.0 solar flare.
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NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Observes Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS (science.nasa.gov) - 12/20/2025 *# NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Observes Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe observed interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from Oct. 18 to Nov. 5, 2025, with its WISPR (Wide-Field Imager for Solar Probe) instrument. The spacecraft snapped around 10 images of the comet per day. During this peri…*
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Electricity from orbit? 7 space laser projects that aim to beam power to Earth (interestingengineering.com) - 12/19/2025 The intersection of renewable energy needs and cutting-edge laser technology is paving the way for the practical implementation of power transmission from space. Numerous organizations across the globe are working on advanced laser systems intended to capture solar energy in orbit and transmit it ba…
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How Solar Energy will Power Data Centres in Space (energydigital.com) The initial satellite, DeStarlink Genesis-1, has a scheduled launch date in December 2025. The initiative brings together three fundamental …
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Possible, Temporary Products and Services Disruption Through 17 December, 2025 (www.swpc.noaa.gov) - 12/17/2025 SWPC products and services availability may be temporarily disrupted due to network changes through 17 December, 2025.
