Space-based solar power

Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the technique of collecting solar power in outer space and distributing it to Earth. It is sustainable, green, renewable energy.

It is comprised of:
The collecting satellite would convert solar energy into electrical energy on board, powering a microwave transmitter or laser emitter, and transmit this energy to a collector (or microwave rectenna) on Earth's surface.
 * collecting solar energy in space onto photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted to satellites, or light sails
 * wireless power transmission to Earth via microwave or laser
 * receiving power on Earth via a collector or rectenna (a microwave antenna)

Advantages over the Earth's surface:

 * It is always solar noon in space and full sun.
 * 55–60% of incoming solar energy is lost on its way through the Earth's atmosphere.
 * The intensity in orbit is at least 150% of the maximum attainable intensity on Earth's surface.
 * Reduced plant and wildlife interference.

Disadvantages (solved by Type I):

 * Cost of launching satellites and receiving station vs. return on investment (ROI)
 * Inaccessibility and high radiation dangers for maintenance led to telerobotic solutions
 * Space is hostile. Fixed by self-repair nanobots and defence mechanisms like auto-targeting lasers.
 * Space debris. Was cleaned up via a major global initiative.
 * GEO (Geostationary Orbit) had too much atmospheric absorption. Fixed by LEO (Low Earth Orbit) space power stations, either sun-sync LEO via Polar Orbit or Equatorial LEO.

Later designs:

 * Moving beyond PV panels, a solar wind loop, or Dyson–Harrop satellite was used. Here the satellite makes use of the charged particles in the solar wind which via electro-magnetic couplings generate a current in a large loop.
 * Dyson Dots: where a multi-terawatt primary collector would beam energy back to a series of LEO sun-synchronous receiver satellites.
 * Any of the spacecraft launch-assist platforms, such the skyhook, space elevator, mass driver.