Europe in $3m bid to take space-based solar power innovation into new orbit

The European Space Agency (ESA) has issued a ‘call for ideas’ as part of its Solaris space-based solar power initiative.

The call, which is open to academic and industrial entities with expertise in the relevant areas, is focussed on soliciting ideas for research activities to address some of the challenges linked to space-based solar power.

While the concept of space-based solar power, i.e. capturing solar radiation in space and beaming it to Earth, is based on existing technological principles with no fundamental breakthroughs required, there are significant engineering challenges in developing the large structures required.

There also are open questions around wirelessly transmitting the potentially large amounts of power through the atmosphere.

Key research topics for the call highlighted by ESA include assessing the risks of the beam to human health and the risks to flora and fauna in the vicinity of the Earth rectennas.

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Others are understanding the impacts of the power beams on the atmosphere and weather, the potential impacts with interference on aviation and ground infrastructure and the environmental impacts and carbon costs of launch and deployment.

Approximately €3 million (US$3.3 million) is expected to be available in this first round of funding.

ESA states that overall, the aim is to solidify the scientific basis of space-based solar power and improve understanding of how it can be implemented in a way that is safe for the public, the environment and ecosystems.

The call follows a research and technology day in March, in which input was sought from the research community on the Solaris research plan.

“From the very beginning, Solaris has been looking to collaborate with the broader community,” says ESA engineer Aidan Cowley, who is leading the hunt for ideas.

“Now it is time to start advancing activities that were outlined and arose from these engagements – this call is the vehicle through which we drive this forward.”

Ideas must be submitted by August 4, 2023 on ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform.

The initial objectives of the Solaris programme in the period 2023 to 2025 are to determine the benefits, technological feasibility, costs and risks of space-based solar as well as to raise awareness and to prepare a development programme proposal.

In parallel three technology development activities have been proposed, i.e. mass and cost efficient PV systems for solar generation, space-based high power management, RF generation and accurate beam forming, and in-orbit robotic assembly, manufacture and maintenance.

In addition, concept studies are under way, which are due to be completed before year end and should guide the subsequent research and development activities.