In the autumn of 2020, ESA launched a call for ideas to help make Space-Based Solar Power a reality.
This call for ideas is the latest to be run by the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities on the Open Space Innovation Platform. As with all calls for ideas run by ESA Discovery, the most novel ideas will be invited to submit a full proposal for a system study, early technology development activity, or co-funded PhD/postdoc research.
A number of SEI members put forward proposals, and several of these have been shortlisted. As of 15 August 2021, we await the outcome of ESAs deliberations. It’s exciting to see ESA resurrect interest in the subject, after a number of studies a decade ago.