Roadmap: Milestones from 2026 to 2040
What sequence of milestones would a credible programme follow, and where is the field on it?
Chapter summary
seven milestones.
Key takeaways
- 1
The field has passed the first two, beaming in orbit and long-distance beaming on the ground.
- 2
Orbit-to-ground delivery of useful power is being attempted in 2026–2028.
- 3
Then come a megawatt-scale orbital system, the first niche service, a grid-connected demonstration plant and finally a commercial gigawatt plant.
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