The vacuum of space is perfect for an orbiting solar power station that could harvest uninterrupted power 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The concept of solar energy from space has been around since the 1940s. It's based on Isaac Asimov's sci-fi work that hypothesized the idea of a space station manned by robots that delivered energy to Earth via microwaves.

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Power supply experts say this space-based solar power will increase power supplies worldwide. The concept is scientifically sound, according to spacecraft engineer Dr. Paul Jaffe at the US Naval Research Laboratory.

"NASA and the US Department of Energy did a study in the late 70s that cost $20 million at the time and looked at it in pretty great depth. The conclusion at that time was that there was nothing wrong with the physics but the real question is the economics," Dr. Jaffe explained.

The project cost is based on the number of space launches required to build the power-transmitting satellite. The estimated cost will be US$40,000 per kilogram for some space launches.

The final cost for the space-based solar power station could be as high as US$20 billion.

There are two options for delivering power to the Earth from a space-based power station: laser beams or microwaves.

Using laser beam involves sending small laser-transmitting satellites into orbit. This option could cost between $500 million and $1 billion.

An output of 1 MW to 10 MW per satellite would require many satellites to provide enough energy. Also, laser transmitting satellites would have difficulty beaming power through clouds and rain.

On the other hand, microwaves can beam power to Earth through rain, hail or any other atmospheric disturbance and could provide gigawatts of power.

Dr Jaffe said microwave technology has been established for decades. As early as 1964, scientists were able to power a helicopter using microwaves.

Dr. Jaffe explained that microwave technology has been established since 1964. Microwave satellites, however, could cost tens of billions of dollars.

Tagsspace-based solar power, solar power, space station, Satellite, microwave technology, laser beam, NASA, International Space Station, ISS, solar energy