A world driven by solar power transmitted directly from the depths of space might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Scientists have sent 1.8 kilowatts of electricity through 55 metres of air in the form of microwave radiation. By successfully transmitting electricity wirelessly, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has taken the first steps towards making orbital solar stations a feasible power delivery source.

A spokesman for JAXA announced that:

“While the distance was not huge, the technology could pave the way for mankind to eventually tap the vast amount of solar energy available in space and use it here on Earth.”

This method of solar energy collection would have huge advantages over its ground-based counterparts, most notably an infinite supply of solar power from the sun – regardless of the time of day or weather.

The logistics of how to send such huge structures such as solar farms into space are still to be planned, but scientists show nothing but optimism. The possibility that humans will one day be able to farm an inexhaustible source of energy in space and transport it back to Earth wirelessly could be a reality by the 2040s according to JAXA.

What are your thoughts about orbital power stations? I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment and let me know.