The concept of harvesting solar energy in space and transmitting it to Earth has a fascinating history, blending science fiction with serious scientific inquiry. Here’s a breakdown of the imaginative and scientific origins:

• Early Science Fiction:
• One of the earliest imaginative origins can be traced to science fiction. In 1941, Isaac Asimov’s short story “Reason” featured a space station that transmitted solar energy via microwave beams. This fictional concept laid the groundwork for future scientific explorations.
• Pioneering Scientific Ideas:
• In 1923, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, a Russian scientist and pioneer of astronautical theory, proposed using space-based mirrors to reflect sunlight onto Earth. This early idea highlighted the potential of harnessing solar energy from space.
• In 1968, Peter Glaser, an American engineer, introduced the concept of a space-based solar power (SBSP) system that would collect solar energy and transmit it to Earth via microwaves. He received a U.S. patent for this concept in 1973.
• Evolution of the Concept:
• Over the years, the concept has evolved, with advancements in technology leading to new approaches. Recent developments include exploring the use of laser transmissions instead of microwaves, and the utilization of constellations of smaller satellites in low Earth orbit.
• Currently there are experiments being conducted, that are testing the viability of these concepts. For example, Caltech has had experiments where they have transfered power from space to earth.
  In essence, the idea of solar energy transporting space lasers has roots in both the realm of science fiction and the visionary thinking of early scientific pioneers.

In his 1941 short story “Reason”, Isaac Asimov envisions a space station that supplies energy to planets using microwaves. For almost a century since Asimov’s sci-fi short story, scientists have endeavoured to find a way to make such a mode of energy supply possible.

Previous attempts at this feat have thought about using large networks of solar panels in geostationary orbit. These designs transmit the energy harnessed from the sun’s rays to earth through the use of microwaves.

Since sun’s rays are stronger outside of earth’s atmosphere, solar panels in space would produce renewable energy at unprecedented rates. The main issue preventing space-based solar power (SBSP) from becoming real is that the cost of these systems might outweigh their energy outputs.

As such, and despite numerous attempts to actualise Asimov’s story, nothing has come to pass. But billionaire entrepreneur Bhaiju Bhatt’s recent interest in the project might be enough to change all this. This is in contrast to NASA’s surrender to the perceived impossibility of SBSP.

Space lasers and satellite constellations: the future of Asimov’s dream

Bhatt, the CEO and founder of Aetherflux, plans to reconceptualise previous designs. The new design will use a constellation of smaller satellites in low earth orbit rather than the older design that sought to use large clumps of solar satellites in geostationary orbit.

This modular design would be easier to iteratively develop than previous designs. The design will also use infrared lasers to transmit energy to earth as opposed to the microwaves proposed by earlier designs. This design can, according to Bhatt, be made on a relatively small spacecraft.

If this design comes to fruition, it has the potential to meet one-third of the EU’s energy needs. The energy generated will be able to be delivered almost anywhere. This aligns with Aetherflux’s objective of serving areas that experience scarcity and a lack of reliability when it comes to electricity.

Idealism versus reality: how likely is Asimov’s vision to come to pass?

Bhatt’s design, though certainly aspirational, faces its fair share of challenges. According to recent studies by the European Space Agency (ESA), the capital required to create the infrastructure necessary to produce this energy would be immense.

Even so, Bhatt is determined that his design will work better than previous models that require satellites to be placed in geostationary orbit. Instead of placing satellites 36,000 kilometers above earth, Bhatt wants to place satellites 500 kilometers above earth, reducing launching and maintenance costs.

So far, the project has raised around 10 million dollars, but future investments in the project could make it or break it. Adding to this, many are concerned about the effects the proposed high-powered lasers could have on earth’s atmosphere.

The light pollution alone, it is believed, would be astronomical. It is important to weigh up the benefit to the renewable industry against thepotential immediate environmental impact of the project. It is clear that a holistic approach to environmentalism is needed.

So, does the future of solar power include space lasers?

It is difficult to say with any certainty what the future will look like for SBSP. It is clear that the project faces numerous challenges. But what is also clear is the determination to make Asimov’s almost 100-year-old ideal a reality. This enthusiasm is not quite unlike this project that aims to harness cosmic rays for energy.

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