Europe's biggest space company is seeking partners to fly a demonstration solar power mission in orbit. EADS Astrium says the satellite system would collect the Sun's energy and transmit it to Earth via an infrared laser, to provide electricity. Space solar power has been talked about for more than 30 years. However, there have always been question marks over its cost, efficiency and safety. But Astrium believes the technology is close to proving its maturity. Read more
Space-based solar project The California Public Utilities Commission has approved a space-based renewable energy contract for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. in an effort to move the state a step closer to meeting its renewable energy goals.
Why not spend $21 billion on solar power from space? The Japanese government is prepared to spend some 2 trillion yen on a one-gigawatt orbiting solar power station - and this week Mitsubishi and other Japanese companies have signed on to boost the effort.
Mitsubishi, IHI to Join $21 Bln Space Solar Project Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and IHI Corp. will join a 2 trillion yen ($21 billion) Japanese project intending to build a giant solar-power generator in space within three decades and beam electricity to earth.