The UK’s Satellite Applications Catapult has started the development of a new sustainable energy technology from space, securing almost £500k in funding from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to kick-start research and development into a future Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) system, which will create a new, fully renewable baseload energy technology.

Vital step

Sam Adlen, chief strategy officer at the Satellite Applications Catapult said: “This project is a vital first step in the development of a viable Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) solution. By funding SBSP, the UK Space Agency is demonstrating its commitment to this important future energy technology and that gives us a vital boost as we kick-start this work.

“The funding allows us to deliver many of the critical enabling elements to ensure we get the whole solution, from technology to environmental and regulatory aspects, right the first time. As the world races to achieve net-zero, momentum is building globally and nations looking for future energy security are closely watching the UK’s progress.”

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