Debate Over Space Solar Power: Viable Future or Costly Fantasy?

The article surveys the emerging push for space-based power, covering ideas such as sunlight-reflecting mirrors and satellites that collect solar energy and beam it to Earth. Proponents, led by Peter Garretson, highlight falling launch expenses, progress in satellite manufacturing, and rising private and governmental investment as factors that could surmount current obstacles. Opponents, represented by Michael Brown, maintain that the physical limits of power-beaming, high infrastructure costs, and rapid advances in terrestrial solar, batteries and grids make space solutions uncompetitive.

Garretson’s background includes leading the 2008 Pentagon study on space solar power and work with defense agencies, while Brown is an observational astronomer at Monash University. The article leaves the feasibility question open, weighing technical, economic and strategic considerations.