LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — A revolutionary approach to renewable energy is taking shape in Metro Detroit, where Virtus Solis Technologies aims to harness solar power from space. Drawing from historical concepts and recent technological advancements, this startup is poised to deliver continuous, reliable energy from orbit—positioning Michigan as a leader in pioneering new energy solutions.

The idea of space-based solar power (SBSP) has evolved significantly since its early theoretical roots.

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Russian theorist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky first proposed the concept in 1923, envisioning “mirrors in space” to direct sunlight to Earth. Later, in 1941, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov explored the idea in his story “Reason,” which featured satellites beaming energy to Earth and other solar system colonies (The European Space Agency). 

The first practical engineering design came in 1968 from NASA engineer Peter Glaser, who patented a method in 1973 for using microwaves to transmit solar power to ground-based receivers. Despite extensive research by NASA and the US Department of Energy in the 1970s, the high cost of launching such systems into space made them impractical at the time.

Today, Virtus Solis Technologies is capitalizing on reduced launch costs and advancements in technology to make SBSP viable (Virtus Solis Space Based Solar Power Overview). 

The company’s plan involves deploying vast arrays of modular solar cells in space, according to MLive. These cells collect solar energy, convert it to microwaves, and beam it down to ground stations equipped with rectennas that convert the microwaves back into electricity. This method provides a continuous energy supply, unaffected by weather “during all seasons” or nighttime conditions—a major advantage over terrestrial solar and wind power.

According to Virtus Solis, their SBSP technology offers numerous advantages, such as providing “stable, low-cost” energy to overcome the intermittency issues associated with traditional renewables. In fact, the company’s technology promises over 90% energy availability, providing “5-20 times more sunlight than terrestrial solar” installations due to the absence of weather and nighttime interruptions. The higher solar intensity in space and the ability to beam power instantly to any location “on 50% of the planet’s surface” offer unprecedented flexibility and reliability.

Additionally, Virtus Solis points out that their technology requires fewer “critical minerals” and has a lower carbon footprint compared to other renewable sources. The company’s main objective is to achieve “actual zero, not just net-zero” emissions, directly replacing fossil fuels without relying on carbon offsets.

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While interest in SBSP has persisted over the decades, advancements in launch technology and cost reductions have reignited interest in recent years. Notably, the US Naval Research Laboratory, as well as space programs in China, Japan, and the UK, have launched test satellites and demonstrator missions (The European Space Agency).

Earlier this year, Virtus Solis approached Michigan regulators to have its technology recognized as a “renewable energy system” under the state’s clean energy standards, as reported by MLive. Even though the request is still pending public discussion and action, CEO and co-founder John Bucknell, alongside co-founder Edward Tate, both University of Michigan alumni, are determined to move forward. 

They are progressing with plans to launch a pilot power plant by 2027.