China explores space solar station concept to weaken typhoons

11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

China explores space solar station concept to weaken typhoons

Chinese researchers working on an ambitious space based solar power project say the technology could eventually serve purposes beyond clean energy generation, including the possibility of weakening typhoons and wirelessly recharging satellites across space.

Duan Baoyan, the chief scientist behind China’s “Zhuri” space solar power project at Xidian University, outlined the concept in an article published Monday in the state newspaper People’s Daily. He suggested that microwave beams generated by a space solar power station could theoretically be directed toward moisture within storm systems.

According to Duan, sufficiently powerful energy transmission might influence regional atmospheric circulation and potentially alter the strength or path of a typhoon. However, he emphasized that the idea remains speculative.

A major obstacle is the scale of energy involved. A powerful typhoon releases energy on the order of hundreds of terawatts, far exceeding the gigawatt level of output envisioned for the planned solar station. Scientists note that even small interventions in complex weather systems can produce unpredictable outcomes.

Beyond weather modification, Duan described the proposed system as a future “space power station” capable of wirelessly transmitting energy to satellites, space stations and deep space probes. Such a network could extend the operational life of spacecraft and support future infrastructure such as space based internet networks or lunar bases.

The Zhuri project, first proposed in 2013, aims to demonstrate a megawatt class solar power system in Earth orbit by 2030. The long term plan involves constructing a circular solar array roughly one kilometer wide positioned in geostationary orbit about 36,000 kilometers above Earth.

If completed, the station could produce electricity at gigawatt scale by around 2050.

Researchers have already begun testing some components on Earth. In 2022, Duan’s team built a 75 meter experimental tower at Xidian University to simulate the entire energy chain, from capturing solar radiation to converting it into microwave energy and transmitting it to receivers.

The system has since demonstrated “one to many” power transmission, allowing a single microwave emitter to deliver energy simultaneously to multiple moving receivers.

China’s Academy of Space Technology plans to launch a test satellite in low Earth orbit by 2028 capable of generating about 10 kilowatts to evaluate microwave energy transmission from space.

A larger megawatt class demonstration station in geostationary orbit could follow by 2030, with long term expansion potentially reaching two gigawatts by 2050.

Other major space powers, including the United States, Japan and the European Space Agency, are also researching space based solar power, though none have announced timelines as advanced as China’s proposed roadmap.