- China plans to build a massive 0.6-mile-wide solar power station in geostationary orbit, 22,370 miles above Earth, capable of generating energy equivalent to all Earth's oil reserves in one year.
- The space-based solar array would collect solar energy continuously, unaffected by weather, day-night cycles, or seasons, offering a virtually limitless and clean energy source.
- The project relies on the development of the Long March-9 heavy-lift rocket capable of carrying 150 tons to low Earth orbit, and advanced technologies for assembling the array and beaming energy back to Earth via microwaves.
- While the United States, Japan and the European Space Agency are also exploring space-based solar power, China's project stands out for its scale and ambition, aligning with its broader goals of energy independence and space technology leadership.
- If successful, the project could revolutionize renewable energy, reduce fossil fuel dependence and mitigate climate change, though significant technological and logistical hurdles remain.
In a bold move that could redefine the future of renewable energy, China has announced plans to construct a colossal solar power station in space, capable of generating energy equivalent to all the oil reserves on Earth in just one year.
The project, spearheaded by leading Chinese rocket scientist Long Lehao, envisions a 0.6-mile-wide solar array orbiting 22,370 miles above Earth.
This ambitious initiative, likened to "another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth," aims to overcome the limitations of terrestrial solar power by harnessing the sun's energy in space, where it is 10 times more intense than on the planet's surface. (Related: Solar power 24/7: China plans to build first solar power station in space and beam power to Earth.)
The announcement, made during a lecture hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in October and later published in December, underscores China's growing ambitions in space technology and renewable energy. If successful, the project could mark a turning point in the global energy landscape, offering a virtually limitless and uninterrupted power source.
The proposed space-based solar power station would be placed in geostationary orbit, ensuring it remains stationary relative to Earth. This positioning would allow the array to collect solar energy continuously, unaffected by weather, day-night cycles, or seasonal variations. According to Long, the energy collected by the array in one year would be equivalent to the total amount of oil that can be extracted from Earth.
"This is an incredible project to look forward to," Long said during his lecture. "The energy collected in one year would be equivalent to the total amount of oil that can be extracted from the Earth."
The project draws parallels to the Three Gorges Dam, China's massive hydropower project on the Yangtze River, which generates approximately 100 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The dam is so large that the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) estimates it has slowed Earth's rotation by 0.06 microseconds due to the mass of water it holds. Long's vision of a space-based solar array is equally monumental, with the potential to revolutionize energy production on a global scale.
Heavy-lift rockets and technological hurdles
Building a solar array of this scale in space is no small feat. The project hinges on the development of the Long March-9 (CZ-9), a reusable heavy-lift rocket capable of carrying at least 150 tons (136 metric tons) to low Earth orbit. This rocket, currently under development, would surpass NASA's Saturn V and Space Launch System (SLS) in payload capacity, making it a critical component of China's space ambitions.
"The CZ-9 will reach 110 meters tall, and a major use of the rocket will be the construction of space-based solar power stations," Long explained.
The logistical challenges of assembling such a massive structure in space are immense. Multiple launches would be required to transport the array's components, and advanced technologies would be needed to beam the collected energy back to Earth via microwaves. China has already begun testing key technologies, including the "Chasing Sun Project," a ground verification system for space solar power that demonstrated world-leading performance in microwave power transmission and efficiency.
China is not alone in exploring space-based solar power. The concept, often referred to as the "Manhattan Project of the energy sector," has been discussed in scientific circles for decades. The United States, Japan and the European Space Agency (ESA) have all investigated the technology, with Japan planning to launch a small proof-of-concept satellite this year. U.S. companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are also actively developing space-based solar power systems.
However, China's plan stands out for its scale and ambition. The country has already made significant strides in space technology, including the construction of its Tiangong space station and plans for a lunar research base by 2035. The space-based solar power project aligns with China's broader goals of achieving energy independence and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
While the project is still in its early stages, its potential impact is staggering. Space-based solar power could provide a clean, renewable energy source that operates continuously, addressing one of the key limitations of terrestrial solar power. If successful, it could reduce global dependence on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The development of the Long March-9 rocket, the assembly of the solar array in orbit, and the efficient transmission of energy back to Earth are all formidable tasks that will require years of research and testing.
For now, the world watches as China takes a bold step toward a future where the sky is no longer the limit for renewable energy.
Watch this clip of NASA astronauts installing a new solar array at the International Space Station.
This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com.
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