Europe: ESA's SOLARIS Programme
What has ESA done on space-based solar power, and where does the programme stand?
Chapter summary
ESA's member states approved SOLARIS, a preparatory programme within the General Support Technology Programme, at the November 2022 ministerial council.
Key takeaways
- 1
It followed two independent cost-benefit studies by Frazer-Nash (UK) and Roland Berger (Germany), which found SBSP could contribute to Europe's energy needs and net-zero goals if technical and cost hurdles were overcome.
- 2
SOLARIS funded concept studies, including by Arthur D.
- 3
Little and Thales Alenia Space Italy in 2023, and technology work on wireless power transfer, with the aim of a go or no-go decision on a full development programme at the 2025 ministerial.
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