Space Solar: A UK Startup Building Orbiting Power Stations

Space Solar is developing commercial-scale space-based solar power using the Cassiopeia satellite design to provide constant, clean energy. This system captures sunlight in geosynchronous orbit and beams it to Earth via 5.8 GHz microwaves, a frequency that penetrates clouds and rain with minimal loss. Unlike previous concepts, the Cassiopeia design eliminates mechanical failure points by using a solid-state layout with adjustable reflectors to track the sun. The ground-based rectennas occupy only 3% of the land required by equivalent wind farms, offering a high-density energy solution. With a roadmap starting with the 30-megawatt MERLIN satellite in 2030 and scaling to the 600-megawatt Eagle platform, the company leverages reusable rockets like SpaceX’s Starship to ensure economic viability. Independent studies confirm the technology is competitive with terrestrial renewables while providing superior dispatchability and energy security for applications ranging from national grids to disaster relief.