China has unveiled an ambitious plan to harness solar power from space, marking a transformative step in energy innovation. The project, likened to a "Three Gorges Dam above Earth," promises continuous power collection unaffected by weather or darkness.
A Visionary Energy Project
China aims to build solar stations in space using super-heavy rockets. Senior scientist Long Lehao detailed the plan during an October lecture at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The project involves installing a 1 km-wide solar array in geostationary orbit, 36,000 km above Earth.
Lehao compared the initiative to moving the Three Gorges Dam into orbit. "This project is significant and holds incredible potential," he said. He added that yearly energy collected could rival Earth's total recoverable oil reserves.
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The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River generates 100 billion kWh yearly. Similarly, the space solar stations would ensure consistent energy supply, unaffected by terrestrial cycles.
Key Challenges and Technology
Realising the project requires advancements in heavy-lift rocket technology. Long’s team has developed the reusable Long March-9 (CZ-9) rocket for this purpose. The rocket can carry 150 tonnes to low Earth orbit, with a launch thrust of 6,000 tonnes.
The CZ-9 measures 10.6 metres in diameter and reaches 110 metres high. “This rocket is vital for constructing space solar stations,” Lehao said in a 2022 interview.
Other technologies are also under development to support the project. Experimental space solar stations in Bishan and ground verification systems are progressing.
China’s bold plan represents a significant leap for the energy sector. The integration of space-based solar power could redefine sustainable energy generation for the planet.
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