Space-based solar power (SSP) is the conversion of solar energy into power, usable either in space or on earth, from a location no closer to Earth than Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Locations for this conversion may be man-made satellites in geosynchronous and sun-synchronous (always facing the sun) orbit, space probes, the moon,[1] or other planets.[2] Photovoltaics (PV) would generally be utilized for energy conversion and microwave technology could be applied for wireless energy transmission through space. Dynamic solar thermal power systems are also being investigated.[3] In space, sun shines constantly and has greater intensity than on earth. Many problems associated with weight and atmospheric corrosion are eliminated. On earth, diurnal rotation and the associated change from day to night necessitates collection only during daylight hours. Outside of earth's atmosphere, average solar energy per unit area is on the order of ten times that available on earth and increases as the sun is approached, although there are increased maintenance problems beyond acceptable solar radiation limits.
Producing electricity from sunlight in space is not a new or untried technology. It has been utilized by hundreds of operating satellites. The major difference would be that SSP would capture much more energy and beam it to earth for our use.[4