Technology：
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will launch a demonstration satellite for space
photovoltaic generation in 2017. Unlike photovoltaic generation greatly
affected by bad weather, space photovoltaic generation allows for stable power
supply regardless of the weather. The demonstration satellite weighs about 400
kg, and the agency will launch the satellite using its self-developed Epsilon Launch Vehicle. It will have a generation capacity of 2 kW. The generated
electricity will be converted to microwave and sent to the earth with the help
of an antenna 2 m in diameter, and subsequently converted again to power. The
satellite will go around the orbit 370 km above the ground.
Space photovoltaic
generation is expected to have about 10 times more output than photovoltaic
generation on the earth. Although a large-scale antenna is required to receive
microwaves, space photovoltaic generation can get two times more output per
installation area than the existing mega solar. The agency plans to launch
several generation satellites with a view to starting commercial generation in
2040. However, various innovations are required in such areas as solar battery
and antenna for commercialization because it costs more than one trillion yen
to build a satellite with the same generation capacity as one nuclear power
plant.
Space solar power systems by the JAXA
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