Space Energy for Earth: Startup to Launch First Commercial Station by 2030.

Concept of Space Solar Power

According to Korrespondent.net: American startup Overview Energy has presented an innovative idea in the field of space solar power. The company aims to launch large arrays of solar panels into geostationary orbit at an altitude of about 35,000 kilometers, where they can receive sunlight around the clock. The collected energy will be converted into infrared laser beams and transmitted to Earth, directly reaching existing solar farms, enabling them to operate even at night.

Technological Achievements and Plans

The company has already conducted a successful experiment, during which energy was transmitted by laser from a light aircraft to a receiver located five kilometers away. Engineers in the lab have also confirmed the efficiency of the laser and optics system with power in the thousands of watts.

In the two years since its inception, the startup has attracted $20 million in investments from funds such as Aurelia Institute, Earthrise Ventures, and Engine Ventures. The company plans to conduct a demonstration in space in 2028 in low orbit to test the full cycle of the system’s operation, with the first commercial launch expected in 2030, when the company plans to make the first-ever transmission of megawatt power from space.

Competition in Space Energy

Overview Energy is actively engaging in the growing competition in the field of space solar technologies. Other startups, such as Aetherflux, also aim to create a constellation of satellites to collect solar energy, while the company Star Catcher plans to supply spacecraft with energy directly from orbit.

A particular advantage of Overview Energy is that their solution may be more economical, as the company aims to transmit energy to existing solar farms, which eliminates the need to build new ground infrastructure from scratch.

It was previously reported that China will test a heavenly power station.

Placement of Data Centers in Space

Google plans to place artificial intelligence data centers in space.

Ideas similar to those proposed by Overview Energy open new horizons for energy technologies. Space solar power could potentially change the way we consume and produce energy, reducing dependence on traditional sources. It also creates new investment opportunities in the sector and raises interest in technological innovations in space. At the same time, competition among startups confirms the growing importance of this field in the future.