Highlights from the 3rd EIC Portfolio Webinar with Bryce Tech
On June 13, 2025, the 3rd EIC Portfolio Webinar focused on the future of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP). The session, presented by Simon Potter from Bryce Space Global, provided valuable insights into the potential and challenges surrounding SBSP technology.
Bryce Tech's Role in Space-Based Solar Power
Bryce Tech, a leading firm in space analytics and engineering, shared its expertise in developing and evaluating space-based technologies, drawing on its contributions to forecasting, strategy, competitive intelligence, and policy development for major space agencies and corporate entities worldwide.
What is Space-Based Solar Power?
Space-Based Solar Power involves collecting solar energy in orbit, converting it into microwaves or laser beams, and transmitting it back to Earth. This technology promises to provide continuous, reliable energy, even in regions where sunlight is not always available, such as during the night or in cloudy areas. The concept also aligns with space exploration programs, especially NASA's lunar and Mars missions.
Challenges and Barriers
While SBSP offers exciting possibilities, several challenges remain, including:
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High Costs: SBSP is more expensive than traditional solar power due to the need for launches, in-orbit assembly, and power conversion.
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Technical Hurdles: Efficient power beaming and the development of in-space assembly technologies are key to making SBSP viable.
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Regulatory Issues: Legal frameworks for large-scale energy beaming, frequency management, and orbital congestion need to be addressed.
Strategic Models for Advancing SBSP
The webinar also outlined two strategies for advancing SBSP:
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Organic Development: Aligning SBSP with ongoing space missions like lunar operations, offering low costs but slower progress.
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Strategic Engagement: Establishing public-private partnerships and launching early technology demonstrators to speed up development.
The Future of SBSP
The reflections shared during the webinar resonate closely with the mission of RePowerSiC, which focuses on the development of wireless power transmission systems — a core enabler of technologies like SBSP. SBSP technology is technically feasible within the coming decades but will require significant research and development in areas like autonomous construction, in-space assembly, and power transmission. With targeted R&D, SBSP could become a viable part of the future energy landscape.
In light of these challenges and opportunities, the webinar served as an excellent platform for sharing ideas and insights within the EIC Space Portfolio, fostering collaboration and enhancing our collective understanding of space-based solar power.
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