Japan Launches Bold Energy Experiment with Satellite That Beams Power to Earth

WCTU CLEVELAND 13 — Japan is on the verge of launching a space-based solar power experiment that could revolutionize how the world generates and distributes electricity. The OHISAMA satellite, a 400-pound spacecraft scheduled for deployment in 2025, will test the wireless transmission of solar energy from orbit to Earth, marking a significant milestone in clean energy innovation.

“This marks one of the first real-world tests of what could eventually become a solar power beam network,” reported Japan Daily, highlighting the global significance of the endeavor.

The OHISAMA satellite, named after the Japanese word for "sun," will orbit Earth at an altitude of roughly 250 miles. It will gather sunlight through a compact two-square-meter solar panel, convert it into microwaves, and beam the energy down to a ground-based receiver array in Suwa, Japan. The initial output of one kilowatt—sufficient to power a small appliance like a coffee maker—serves primarily as a proof of concept for much larger applications.

The technology builds on decades of research by Japan’s aerospace sector, particularly the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which has previously succeeded in transmitting 10 kilowatts of electricity over 500 meters on Earth. OHISAMA marks the first attempt to perform such a transmission from space.

The potential impact extends beyond energy supply. By operating above the weather and day-night cycles, space-based solar power systems could deliver continuous electricity unaffected by atmospheric conditions. Japan’s densely populated landmass and vulnerability to natural disasters further enhance the appeal of such systems. With limited space for ground-based solar farms and a history of nuclear energy concerns post-Fukushima, Japan is investing in alternatives that are both resilient and sustainable.

Internationally, the concept of space solar power is gaining traction. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and Caltech have conducted similar experiments in recent years, with their PRAM and MAPLE projects, respectively. While these initiatives focus on validating specific technologies, OHISAMA represents a broader, integrated demonstration of the system's viability.

Challenges remain, especially concerning the cost. According to NASA, energy from space-based systems may still be more than ten times as expensive as Earth-based solar or wind. Precision in targeting and the size of receiver arrays also present technical hurdles. Nevertheless, advancements in lightweight materials, microwave transmission, and reusable rocket technology are narrowing the gap between concept and commercial feasibility.

If successful, OHISAMA could pave the way for orbital solar farms generating up to one gigawatt of electricity—enough to power a city. Such facilities could provide emergency power in disaster zones and support global decarbonization goals.

“OHISAMA is designed to serve as a proof of concept that solar power beam technology is possible,” noted Japan Daily, summarizing the mission’s ambition to establish a new frontier in sustainable energy.

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