Space-based solar power

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/space-based-solar-power

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the proposed transmission medium?Microwaves or laser beams for wireless power transfer
2. What is the key advantage over terrestrial solar?Continuous power generation unaffected by atmospheric conditions or diurnal cycles
3. Why put solar panels in space instead of on Earth?In space the panels get sunlight all day, with no clouds or night, so they can produce power continuously.
4. How does the power travel from space to Earth?The panels turn sunlight into electricity, then into microwaves that travel through the air and are caught by special antennas on the ground that turn them back into electricity.

Geostationary Orbit: An orbit where a satellite remains above the same point on Earth's equator.
Baseload Power: A constant supply of electricity that is always available, regardless of demand fluctuations.
Rectenna: A specialized antenna designed to efficiently capture and convert microwave energy into electrical power.