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Astrium Hopes To Test Grabbing Solar Energy From Orbit

Posted by timothy on from the don't-stand-underneath-when-they-fly-by dept.

goldaryn writes "Word from the BBC today is that Europe's biggest space company is seeking partners to help get a satellite-based solar power trial into orbit: 'EADS Astrium says the satellite system would collect the Sun's energy and transmit it to Earth via an infrared laser, to provide electricity. Space solar power has been talked about for more than 30 years as an attractive concept because it would be 'clean, inexhaustible, and available 24 hours a day.' However, there have always been question marks over its cost, efficiency and safety. But Astrium believes the technology is close to proving its maturity.'"

2 of 144 comments (clear)

  1. Ring around the Earth!!!! by jameskojiro · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I would like a Ring around the earth like they had in the series Gundam 00. With three main towers to beyond Geo sync, and fricking huge!!! Of course if one of the towers should fail.... LOOK OUT BELOW!!!!

    Don't build cities in the orbital direction of the towers on the ground, cause it sucks to be them.....

    --
    Tsukasa: All I really want, is to be left alone...
  2. Umm.... by ExE122 · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    system would collect the Sun's energy and transmit it to Earth via an infrared laser, to provide electricity

    To "provide electricity" or to "discuss the location of the hidden rebel base"?

    Is anyone else scared?

    --
    Capitalism: When it uses the carrot, it's called democracy. When it uses the stick, it's called fascism.