Collecting solar power from the universe to the earth

EADS Astrium - Europe's largest space research company is looking for partners to conduct experiments on space solar power stations in orbit.

This is a satellite system used to absorb solar energy, then through an infrared laser device, to transfer that energy to Earth to produce electricity.

Over the past 30 years, scientists have been discussing about solar power exploitation from above. Although this is a clean, high energy source, photovoltaic batteries will absorb more strongly (in the universe, solar radiation is not affected by clouds, dust or atmospheric filtering effects).

However, scientists are always skeptical about the cost, performance and safety of this technology, especially the influence of microwave waves. However, current technological advances show that it is possible through infrared laser devices to transmit energy, even if there is a problem, the laser beam cannot "turn" people like microwaves .

Solar energy from the universe will have higher efficiency when done on earth, but the transmission is very complicated and difficult.

Astrium has tested the state of energy transmission through de-laboratory. They are trying to improve the performance of the device.

However, Robert Laine, Astrium Technical Director must admit, we are facing many challenges. He said: 'The size is too small, so the capacity of the laser beam is not as good as expected. If the conversion rate reaches 80%, we consider it successful. '

Dr. Laine also said that there must be concrete results in the next 10 years: 'Like other technologies, it must be proven before becoming an operating system .' Dr. Laine's team is trying for the next 5 years, will realize the transfer of 10-20kW of solar power from the universe to the earth.