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A new study reveals that the biggest barrier to space-based solar power isn’t in orbit—it’s on Earth. Researchers found that while thousands of satellites could technically beam solar energy from geostationary orbit, real-world factors like limited land for rectennas near the equator sharply reduce that number.
Even so, the analysis shows SBSP could still provide up to 3% of global power, underscoring its potential as a future clean energy source.
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Even so, the analysis shows SBSP could still provide up to 3% of global power, underscoring its potential as a future clean energy source.
Thank you for listening to Bedtime Astronomy — your guide to the cosmos. New episodes on space exploration, NASA missions & the latest astronomy breakthroughs.
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