According to a report from the Japan Times on May 27, 2014, JAXA has been exploring the concept of large-scale solar sails for potential use in space-based power generation. This initiative is part of a broader vision for space-based solar power systems (SSPS), which aim to harness solar energy in geostationary orbit and transmit it to Earth via microwaves or lasers. The core idea behind SSPS is to construct massive solar power stations in space that can collect sunlight continuously, convert it into electricity, and then beam the energy down to receiving stations on Earth. Unlike ground-based solar farms, these systems are not affected by weather or day-night cycles, making them significantly more efficient—up to five to ten times more powerful than terrestrial solar plants. A single SSPS measuring 2.5 kilometers by 2.3 kilometers could generate around one gigawatt of power, comparable to a traditional nuclear power plant. Japan has been focusing on developing the technologies required to build large structures in space and to safely transmit energy back to Earth. JAXA is also working on methods to fold and deploy solar sails using rockets, which would allow for easier transportation and assembly in orbit. The agency initially aimed to conduct space-based demonstration tests by 2017 and launch commercial operations by 2030. However, this timeline has become increasingly unrealistic, and JAXA is expected to announce revised plans in the near future. One of the biggest challenges remains the cost. JAXA originally estimated the total cost of building an SSPS at around 1 trillion yen (approximately $9.8 billion), but experts believe this figure is far too low. The scale of such a project is immense—JAXA’s current design for a 2.5 km by 2.3 km SSPS would weigh over 26,600 tons and be 750 times larger than the International Space Station. This would require numerous launches, as Japan’s H-2A rocket can only carry 5 to 6 tons per mission, with each launch costing about 10 billion yen. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of microwave transmission and its potential environmental and health impacts. If Japan were to use laser beams instead, the system could be smaller, but lasers would not work effectively through cloud cover, limiting their reliability. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of space-based solar power remain significant, and ongoing research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in space engineering and energy transmission. Gold and silver foil wallpaper, Hand painted wallpape,r Silk wallpaper, Chinese wallpaper ,Western wallpaper Wuxi Ding Guohua Hand drawn Wallpaper Co., Ltd , https://www.silkwallpaperasia.com