Unveiling the Vision
Renowned electrical engineering professor Ali Hajimiri from Caltech has dedicated a decade to unraveling the possibilities of harnessing solar energy in space. Despite skepticism, his recent breakthrough with a 30-centimeter-long prototype named Maple showcases the potential of space-based solar.
Prototype Success
Launched in January, Maple, equipped with flexible transmitters, successfully harvested solar energy in space, illuminating LEDs. In a groundbreaking “dry run” on the Caltech campus, Maple wirelessly beamed down power to Earth, marking a significant milestone.
The Genesis of Space-Based Solar
Space-based solar, not a new concept, gained traction in 1941. Today, factors like plummeting satellite launch costs, rapid solar and robotics advancements, and the imperative for clean energy drive renewed interest in this futuristic solution.
Unmatched Potential
One satellite can deliver up to 2 gigawatts, rivaling nuclear power plants. Advocates believe space-based solar, a “portable” energy solution, could serve as baseload power, addressing gaps when terrestrial renewables aren’t viable.
Source：cnn.com
