Space Solar Takes Major Step Forward with its CASSIOPeiA Concept

The UK’s leading space-based solar power (SBSP) company, Space Solar, today announces the results of a detailed engineering design and analysis study which confirms the performance characteristics for its CASSIOPeiA Solar Power Satellite concept. The results are further supported by Space Solar’s ongoing wireless power beaming hardware test programme.

The study, delivered in partnership with Frazer-Nash Consultancy, has further advanced Space Solar’s design, looking in detail at both ground and spacecraft systems. The CASSIOPeiA Solar Power Satellite design has already been shown to have strong differentiators compared with other concepts for SBSP, delivering continuous power, highly competitive economics and with the ability to operate in a range of different orbits to deliver affordable energy into global markets. This study has established the baseline design in critical areas of structure, thermal management, attitude and orbit control, photovoltaics and light path, with the performance and mass targets met. Initial findings from the company’s HARRIER wireless power transmission demonstrator have also fed into the study, and helped to optimise the design. Priority areas for development in the next stage are now confirmed.

As global interest continues to grow in Space Solar and Space Based Solar Power, the study is a timely reminder of the unique benefits of Space Based Solar Power, including continuous and dispatchable energy day and night, in all weather, and 365 days a year, and with a cost of electricity competitive with terrestrial renewables. Integrated into the mix with weather dependent wind and solar renewables, energy from space can greatly reduce the overall cost and enhance the reliability of our future energy systems, with huge energy export potential.

Sam Adlen, Co-CEO at Space Solar said, “This study is a major step forward in the development of our Space Based Solar Power system. With our design validated, we are now focussed on the next stage – developing the system and demonstrating the technology at increasing scale. We are targeting an in-orbit demonstration within three years and delivering meaningful power from space within six years.

It is now time to deliver this remarkable contribution to Net Zero and the future green energy demands of our planet.”

James Cornish, Business Manager at Frazer-Nash said “It is clear from our work that Space Solar’s solution is robust and together we have been able to develop the concept even further to improve its performance and reduce key risks. We’re confident in Space Solar being able to start their development programme with good knowledge of the expected technical and economic performance of their products. Now is the time to push forwards and deliver a step change in renewable energy before it’s too late.”

Frazer-Nash bring significant expertise to this report, having delivered both the UK Government and European Space Agency studies into SBSP.