China Set to Launch 1-Kilometer-Wide Solar Power Station into space 36,000 km Above Earth
- Sara Habib
- May 12, 2025
- 10:07 am
- 40
- Technology
China has started a massive space solar power project. The goal is to collect solar energy in space and send it back to Earth. Unlike panels on the ground, this station will get sunlight all the time. It will work day and night, in any weather.
Why Build a Solar Power Station in Space?
Solar panels on Earth often face problems. They cannot work at night. Bad weather and clouds also block sunlight. But in space, there are no such issues. The new station will stay 36,000 kilometers above Earth. It will collect sunlight non-stop and send energy to Earth using microwave beams.
How Big Is This Project?
The station will be huge—one kilometer wide. Engineers say it is like moving the Three Gorges Dam into space. That gives an idea of its massive size. The project started in Chongqing, China, back in 2019.
To carry the parts into orbit, China will use its Long March-9 rocket. This rocket is still being developed. But once it is ready, it will play a key role in the project.
How Will It Work?
The station will collect solar rays using large panels. Then, it will turn that light into microwave signals. These signals will travel down to Earth. On Earth, special receivers will catch the signals and turn them into electricity.
This method is not only smart—it’s also up to 10 times more efficient than solar panels on the ground.
What Could This Mean for the World?
If it works, this could change how the world uses energy. It could replace oil and gas in the future. Experts believe it might even match the total energy the world gets from oil each year.
This means clean and renewable energy could soon come from space. Many see it as a big step toward a greener planet.
