NASA Holds The Key To Global Space Solar Race

The article discusses the emerging field of space-based solar power, which has the potential to provide continuous, 24/7 baseload energy by beaming solar power collected in space down to Earth. This technology is gaining traction globally, with significant interest and government support from Europe, China, and Japan. In the U.S., while the Department of Energy and NASA have been involved in related research—such as perovskite solar cells and wireless power beaming—federal efforts remain fragmented and face uncertainty due to political distractions and shifting priorities at the White House. Historically, the U.S. was a leader in space solar research, notably boosted by a $12.5 million donation to CalTech in 2011 and ongoing DOE support. However, current political and funding challenges threaten continued progress. A recent study from King’s College London highlights space solar’s potential to reduce Europe’s reliance on terrestrial renewables by 80% by 2050, but it emphasizes that two key NASA technologies