Experiment Raises Hope of Solar Power From Space

Successful test opens the possibility of humanity getting its energy from space
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 13, 2008 10:19 AM CDT

An experiment in beaming solar power has raised hopes that humanity can harness huge amounts of solar energy from satellites, Space.com reports. Researchers sent the energy about 90 miles between two Hawaiian islands via radio waves. The transmission of energy a hundred times further than earlier experiments proves the concept can work, said the former NASA scientist behind the test. One hurdle: Only a small fraction of the energy survived the transmission. (More satellite stories.)

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