The Japanese Space Agency JAXA is planning a high-tech way of harnessing solar power – JAXA are hoping to build a space-based solar array that beams power back to Earth.

The space agency are hoping to start testing their microwave power transmission system later this month and are looking to beam enough power back over a 2.4 GHz band to power a household heater at 50 metres (164 feet).

Although this isn’t the most impressive of tests, if it is successful, it may pave the way for more complex systems. If the test is successful, JAXA are planning to launch a constellation of solar satellites with each satellite beaming power to a 1.8 mile receiving station that will produce 1 gigawatt of electricity – enough to power 500,000 homes.

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