The space-based solar power systems: state of the art and implications

In the past decade, research and experimental projects for the widespread use of space solar power have been resumed with considerable vigour. All major “space” countries (beginning from the U.S., which had abandoned this topic around the mid-1970s) have ongoing projects more or less advanced on space solar power. The major push toward this new form of energy comes from the gradual abandonment of carbon-fossil energy sources as well as the recent energy crisis that has affected many Western countries. This article reconstructs an analytical research of the “state of the art” of the various experimentation projects underway. It makes an analysis of the potential economic and political impact that may be generated already in the coming years by access to this power source that presents many interesting characteristics and opportunities.