It’s the largest project in the history of mankind: Absorbing the Sun from space

 

Credits: What If Show

It is no longer taught a fantasy to use solar power collected from space, which could actually take shape. This big dream is to install these solar panels in space so that the sun’s energy may be harvested more relentlessly. This article explores a revolutionary concept that could redefine how doctors work with patients and collect information.

Here’s how space-based solar power could change energy forever

In addition, weather conditions or day-night and seasonal variations are constraints for solar farms on Earth. Thus, the abovementioned challenges can be eliminated when solar panels are installed in outer space. However, the Europe-based ‘Solaris’ project by the European Space Agency ESA calls for satellites in a geostationary orbit of 35786 kilometers or about 22,000 miles from Earth to ensure they receive light without interruption.

This light would then be focused in microwaves and sent to the earth by space transmitting antennas. These microwaves would be received by a large antenna on the ground to be converted to electricity. This method can, in fact, provide electricity supply 24/7 and in a steady manner, which means we could change our energy system.

Constructing a large structure in space is truly a whopping task. On the positive side, the solar panels must be assembled in space to survive space debris and space meteorites. Robotic repair systems are designed to maintain such structures; however, the technology is still experimental.

Could a Dyson Sphere actually capture most of the energy from the sun?

In particular, it brings concern due to using space-transmitted microwaves on the Earth. The effects of such microwaves on living things and their compatibility with satellite communications and airplanes are still a thing of research. Initial examinations show radiation is not dangerous, but more investigation and permission from the health authorities are necessary before the test can commence.

The concept of the Dyson Sphere, put up by astrophysicist Freeman Dyson in 1960, is using structure to harness energy from most of the stars. A solid sphere is impossible to construct today, but a Dyson Swarm with a shell of solar collecting platforms around the sun is possible.

If a Dyson Swarm had to be created, the first step would probably be to start mining operations on Mercury, the planet closest to the sun. Mercurial facilitation and solar panel manufacturing would be done on Mercury, with transportation to space being done through a space launch. This process would be automated with robots to mine and assemble the car with input from a handful of master controllers. The energy could be spent on different tasks, and one of the most important of them is the full terraforming of planets and the construction of other mega-large structures.

The future of energy: Passing power right that seems endless at what expense?

Capturing the sun’s energy and even a small percentage of it would easily power the world, manyfold more than they do today. The energy can be deployed in space cities, industrial operations, and the diminution of our oil demand.

However, there exist challenges in the construction of a Dyson Sphere or a space-based solar power system. It should be understood that the necessary technology for efficient energy transmission over large distances has not yet been developed. Furthermore, the international cooperation for such a project is unique, and the use of Mercury materials in mining and launching should be thoroughly discussed from the perspective of environmental impact.

The concept of harvesting the sun’s energy from space is, far and away, the greatest and most audacious undertaking in the power industry. As with most applications still under development regarding technology and infrastructure, the opportunities are enormous. When it comes to the future, using solar power in space and proposing a vision of space-based solar power as an almost inexhaustible energy source.