Global Research ab 26 January 2026 First Read China Solar Industry A journey to space: more upside expected for space-based solar Substantial market size potential Driven by reusable carrier rocket technology improvement, we expect meaningful cost reduction for satellite launching could trigger rapid growth of satellite volume and unit power, boosting demand for space-based solar. Meanwhile, surging AIDC power demand could also drive the transition to space-based AIDC, further unlocking upside for solar in ...

Core Viewpoint - The increasing electrification of human life and advancements in big data and AI are driving unprecedented global energy demand, positioning space-based solar power (SBSP) as a potential pathway to a clean and abundant energy future [1][2]. Group 1: Advantages of Space-Based Solar Power - SBSP can provide stable and reliable baseload power, which has traditionally relied on fossil fuels or nuclear energy [3]. - The intensity of sunlight in space is 5-10 times greater than on Earth, allowing for higher energy generation efficiency and significant land resource savings [2][3]. - A NASA study predicts that a model of SBSP could generate power 99% of the time in a year [3]. Group 2: Global Developments and Investments - A global "space race" for sustainable energy is underway, with countries and private enterprises increasing investments in SBSP [4]. - In August 2023, the California Institute of Technology successfully demonstrated a prototype for space-based solar energy transmission [4]. - China aims to achieve breakthroughs in SBSP by 2028, with ongoing projects in Chongqing and Xi'an [4]. - The European Space Agency has initiated the SOLARIS pre-research program with a budget of €60 million to develop core technologies for SBSP [4]. Group 3: Technological Challenges - Key challenges include high launch costs, as building a large SBSP system will require numerous launches despite decreasing satellite launch costs [7]. - Efficiently transmitting gigawatt-level power back to Earth remains a significant technical hurdle [7]. - The need for autonomous robots to assemble and maintain large space structures in orbit is another critical challenge [7].