{"id":1309941,"date":"2026-05-27T11:48:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T06:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/?p=1309941"},"modified":"2026-05-27T11:48:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T06:18:13","slug":"japan-about-to-send-solar-power-from-space-to-earth-via-microwaves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/japan-about-to-send-solar-power-from-space-to-earth-via-microwaves\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan About To Send Solar Power From Space To Earth Via Microwaves"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Japan is moving closer to one of the world\u2019s most futuristic energy experiments \u2014 generating solar power in space and wirelessly transmitting electricity back to Earth using microwaves. The ambitious project, called OHISAMA, could become one of the first real demonstrations of space-based solar power technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Japan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How The Technology Will Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The concept involves launching a small satellite equipped with solar panels<\/a> into low Earth orbit, around 400 kilometers above Earth. The satellite will continuously collect sunlight in space, where solar energy is available 24\/7 without interruptions from clouds, weather, or nighttime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The collected solar energy will then be converted into microwaves and transmitted wirelessly to receiving stations on Earth. Ground-based antennas, called rectennas, will receive these microwave beams and convert them back into usable electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Satellite To Transmit 1 Kilowatt Initially<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to reports, the first demonstration satellite will weigh around 180 kilograms and initially transmit about 1 kilowatt of electricity \u2014 enough to power small appliances like a coffee maker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the initial power output is modest, researchers say the mission\u2019s main goal is to prove that wireless space-based energy transmission can work reliably and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan plans to beam the energy toward a network of 13 receiving stations in Suwa, central Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Space-Based Solar Power Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike traditional solar farms on Earth, space-based solar power systems can generate electricity continuously because satellites in orbit are exposed to constant sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scientists believe this could solve one of renewable energy\u2019s biggest problems \u2014 intermittency. Current solar and wind systems depend heavily on weather conditions and energy storage infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If successful at large scale, space-based solar systems could potentially provide round-the-clock clean electricity for cities, remote regions, disaster zones, and industrial infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japan Has Been Researching This For Decades<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Japan has been studying space solar power since the 1980s through the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Japan Space Systems. In 2008, Japan officially included space solar power as part of its national space strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers have already conducted several wireless power transmission experiments, including successful microwave power transmission tests from aircraft and ground-based demonstrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major Technical Challenges Still Exist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Despite the excitement, experts say large-scale space solar power remains extremely challenging and expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest difficulties is precision targeting. The microwave beam must remain accurately focused while the satellite moves at extremely high speeds in orbit. Reports say the system requires aiming accuracy within 0.001 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other challenges include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n