What’s Really Holding Back Space-Based Solar Power?

A new study reveals that the biggest barrier to space-based solar power isn’t in orbit—it’s on Earth. Researchers found that while thousands of satellites could technically beam solar energy from geostationary orbit, real-world factors like limited land for rectennas near the equator sharply reduce that number.Even so, the analysis shows SBSP could still provide up to 3% of global power, underscoring its potential as a future clean energy source.Thank you for listening to Bedtime Astronomy — your guide to the cosmos. New episodes on space exploration, NASA missions & the latest astronomy breakthroughs.