Japan to Beam Sun’s Energy from Space to Earth Using Microwaves

Apr 29, 2025 Kriti Keshari

Japan is preparing to launch OHISAMA, a satellite designed to collect solar energy in space and transmit it wirelessly to Earth

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OHISAMA is a 180 kg satellite equipped with a 2-square-meter solar panel to charge its onboard battery

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The satellite will convert stored solar energy into microwaves and beam about 1 kilowatt of power to Earth from 400 km above

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A network of 13 antennas in Suwa Japan is set up to receive the microwave energy transmitted from OHISAMA

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The initial energy transmitted 1 kilowatt is enough to run a small household appliance like a dishwasher for about an hour

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While promising space-based solar power faces hurdles like high costs and energy loss during transmission compared to Earth-based solar and wind energy

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Despite challenges OHISAMA represents a significant step in exploring renewable energy solutions beyond our planet

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