China's reusable rockets pave the way for space-based solar power

China's reusable rockets target space-based solar power for clean energy.

: China is developing a space-based solar power station, potentially transforming energy harvesting. The project, led by rocket expert Long Lehao, utilizes reusable Long March 9 rockets. These rockets aim to transport solar panels for energy collection ten times denser than Earth. China joins a global race with US, European, and Japanese SBSP initiatives.

China has embarked on an ambitious project to gather solar energy directly from space, aiming to revolutionize the energy sector with space-based solar power (SBSP). This initiative involves constructing a 1-kilometer-wide power station, utilizing reusable Long March 9 rockets, led by rocket expert Long Lehao, to transport solar panels to geostationary orbit.

Energy collected in space boasts significantly higher density compared to terrestrial solar collection due to the absence of atmospheric interference, offering a potential new source of clean energy. The project likens moving the immense Three Gorges Dam to a geostationary orbit, with annual energy capacity equivalent to all extractable oil on Earth.

Global interest in SBSP grows, with similar endeavors from the US, Europe, and Japan still in initial stages. China's leap in reusable rocketry also aligns with broader space exploration goals, including a lunar research station by 2035, showcasing its commitment to cutting-edge space technology.