Caltech scientists just took a huge step in harnessing solar power for energy; Here’s how – Orange County Register

PASADENA – Scientists at Caltech in Pasadena on Tuesday, January 3, celebrated the launch of a Area Photo voltaic Energy Demonstrator prototype into orbit as a part of an formidable effort to reap solar energy in house and in house. vitality again to Earth.

The prototype was launched on a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral Tuesday morning. The launch marks an essential milestone in Caltech’s Area Photo voltaic Energy Venture, which goals to deploy a constellation of spacecraft that gather daylight, convert it into electrical energy, then ship it over lengthy distances anyplace. it ought to – together with in areas with out dependable entry. energy.

If absolutely realized, the challenge may make what was as soon as thought of science fiction a actuality, the researchers stated.

“Area solar energy gives a approach to faucet into the almost limitless provide of photo voltaic vitality in outer house, the place vitality is all the time obtainable whatever the cycles of day and night time, seasons and cloud cowl,” in accordance with Caltech.

Caltech’s Area Photo voltaic Energy Venture started after philanthropist Donald Bren, chairman of the Irvine Firm and lifelong member of the Caltech Board of Trustees, realized concerning the potential for space-based photo voltaic vitality era in an article in Well-liked Science journal. In 2013, Bren and his spouse, Brigitte, a Caltech trustee, agreed to donate funds, which might finally exceed $100 million, for the challenge by the Donald Bren Basis.

“For years, I’ve dreamed of how space-based solar energy may resolve a few of humanity’s most urgent challenges,” says Bren. “I am thrilled to be supporting Caltech’s proficient scientists as they race to make that dream a actuality.”

After Tuesday’s launch, the Caltech workforce on Earth plans to start working experiments inside just a few weeks, with testing and knowledge assortment anticipated to proceed for months.

“No matter occurs, this prototype is a crucial step ahead,” stated SSPP Co-Director Ali Hajimiri, who can be Caltech’s Bren professor {of electrical} engineering and medical engineering. “It is working right here on Earth, and has handed the rigorous steps required for something launched into house. There are nonetheless many dangers, however going by the entire course of has taught us precious classes. We consider that house experiments will give us loads of further helpful data that may information the challenge as we transfer ahead.