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Sustainability Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'13 Times More Power From Space': UK Company Achieves Historic Solar Breakthrough Beaming Massive Energy Back to Earth
IN A NUTSHELL 🌌 Space Solar has developed a groundbreaking power-beaming technology to deliver wireless solar energy from space. has developed a groundbreaking power-beaming technology to deliver wireless solar energy from space. 🛰️ The Cassidi project confirmed the technical and economic viability of using pre-fabricated solar reflectors to capture and beam solar energy. confirmed the technical and economic viability of using pre-fabricated solar reflectors to capture and beam solar energy. 🔋 The system can electronically steer the energy beam 360 degrees, enhancing cost-effectiveness and efficiency without the need for moving parts. 🌍 Space Solar aims to deploy a megawatt-scale commercial system within five years, revolutionizing the global transition to renewable energy. In the fast-evolving world of renewable energy, UK-based startup Space Solar is making waves with its innovative approach to harnessing solar power from space. The company's groundbreaking power-beaming technology promises to revolutionize how we think about energy generation, offering a reliable and uninterrupted source of clean power. By beaming solar energy wirelessly from space, Space Solar aims to overcome the challenges faced by traditional renewable sources, such as weather dependency and the day-night cycle. This ambitious venture has the potential to transform the global energy landscape, providing a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional energy sources. Comprehensive Assessment of Key Technologies The 'Cassidi' project, a significant milestone for Space Solar, involved a thorough evaluation of the company's core technologies. This $2.26-million project was funded by the UK Space Agency and the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). Over an 18-month period, Space Solar conducted a comprehensive assessment of its wireless power beaming, in-space assembly process, and ground receiver technologies. The result is a detailed 1,700-page sub-system design document that outlines the blueprint for their modular solar power satellite, Cassiopeia. This satellite, also known as the Constant Aperture Solid State Integrated Orbital Phased Array, represents a significant step forward in the development of space-based solar power. This Nordic Power Move Changes Everything: Sweden's 740 MW Electrolyzers Set to Transform Global Steel Into a Zero-Carbon Industry The success of the 'Harrier' demonstrator, which enabled the development and testing of power-beaming technology, was a key achievement of the project. This demonstrator has paved the way for further advancements in the field, showcasing the potential of space-based solar power to deliver clean energy around the clock. Fusion Power Just Got Real: New Method to Remove Heat From Tokamak Plasma Solves One of Nuclear Energy's Biggest Obstacles Using Pre-fabricated Solar Reflectors One of the most exciting aspects of Space Solar's approach is the use of pre-fabricated solar reflectors. These reflectors are part of a system that can electronically steer the energy beam through a full 360 degrees, eliminating the need for moving parts. This solid-state approach is central to the projected cost-effectiveness of the Cassiopeia satellite. The power beam itself is designed to be low intensity and safe, transmitting through the atmosphere and weather with minimal loss in efficiency. This makes it a highly attractive option for integrating with other renewable energy sources, enhancing grid resilience and delivering power where it's needed most. AI-Powered Driving Arrives: Chinese Firm Unleashes Hybrid EV With Nvidia Chip to Ignite the Smart Vehicle Race The Cassiopeia satellite, equipped with thousands of lightweight photovoltaic modules, will capture solar energy in orbit and beam it down to ground-based receivers using high-frequency radio waves. This method promises to provide a consistent and reliable energy source, unaffected by weather conditions or the day-night cycle. By overcoming these limitations, Space Solar's technology could play a crucial role in the global transition to renewable energy. Viability Confirmation for Clean Energy The collaborative nature of the 'Cassidi' project, which involved 22 partner organizations, has confirmed both the technical and economic viability of Space Solar's system. The success of this demonstration not only strengthens the company's position but also sets the stage for an ambitious timeline. Space Solar plans to deploy a megawatt-scale commercial system within five years, with aspirations to expand to a full product range from 30 MW to GigaWatt-scale within twelve years. This breakthrough could herald a new era in clean energy generation, offering a viable pathway toward a future with continuous and globally accessible energy. The successful completion of the 'Cassidi' project brings us one step closer to realizing the dream of harnessing the sun's power directly from space, potentially transforming how we meet our energy needs. As Space Solar continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible, the potential impact on the global energy landscape is profound. With the promise of reliable, clean, and uninterrupted energy, the question remains: how will this revolutionary technology reshape our approach to sustainable energy in the coming decades? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (20)
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Science
- Wales Online
Space Age arrives in Wales as rocket launched from new testing facility
Space Age arrives in Wales as rocket launched from new testing facility A high-altitude balloon was also dispatched to the edge of space The airfield's new Space Test & Training Centre (STTC) blasts off in style (Image: Snowdonia Aerospace Centre ) The Space Age has officially arrived in north Wales following the formal opening of cutting-edge testing facilities in Eryri (Snowdonia). Excitement soared at Llanbedr, Gwynedd, during the grand opening of the Space Test and Training Centre (STTC), with a rocket launch among the displays on show. A host of demonstrations featuring state-of-the-art equipment left dignitaries in awe, with the UK Space Agency's launch director Matt Archer, hailing the STTC as a "significant step forward for the UK's space capabilities". The STTC proudly showcased its impressive arsenal of tools for space exploration including a centrifuge and a vibration table. The newly built centre also has a sophisticated thermal-cycling vacuum chamber among other cutting-edge utilities geared to ensure that Britain's space-bound tech can endure the harsh climes of space environments. With both vertical and horizontal launch options thanks to its versatile rail launchers, the centre is geared up for an array of space missions. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Preparing for lift-off (Image: Snowdonia Aerospace Centre ) In celebration of this significant milestone, Norfolk-based company Launch Access impressed attendees with a live rocket firing show, while a high-altitude balloon ascended into the sky, by Sent Into Space from Sheffield. Article continues below Visitors to the newly-launched space centre were thrilled by the ability to track a CubeSat nanosatellite's journey towards the brink of space from the comfort of the STTC mission control room, reports North Wales Live. The state-of-the-art facility is the result of a collaboration between the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre and Newton Launch Systems. Its establishment was bolstered by £820,000 funding from the UK Space Agency, contributing to over £1.3 million in overall funding. Novel space and near-space technology will be developed at the new testing centre (Image: Snowdonia Aerospace Centre ) UK telecoms minister Sir Chris Bryant heralded the Llanbedr site as a pivotal step for Britain's "space superpower". He said: "The opening of the Snowdonia Space Centre cements our commitment to building a space ecosystem right across the UK. "The centre will not only drive economic growth in North Wales but also inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through its outstanding educational facilities, strengthening Britain's position as a space superpower." The new centre presents companies with affordable entry to high-grade testing grounds, fostering hopes that it will enable the innovation and creation of new tech and products. Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans expressed her delight at attending the official opening of a new centre, describing it as a "real privilege". Alongside representatives from Space Wales, she remarked: "This is a landmark moment not only for the local community – bringing new opportunities, skills, and investment to the region – but also for the wider UK space sector. "Facilities like this will play a crucial role in delivering our National Space Strategy for Wales, strengthening Wales' position as a hub for innovation and helping drive forward the UK's space ambitions." The Snowdonia Aerospace Centre (SAC), situated at the former Llanbedr Airfield, already provides access to Special Use Airspace (SUA) for the development of innovative aerospace systems in the UK, with approval from the Civil Aviation Authority. The SUA has been expanded over Cardigan Bay to support the centre's space testing programme, which includes a larger area for various activities. Additionally, the SAC boasts a flight test range that caters to different aspects of space flight, including rocket-powered vehicles, near-space scientific flights, microgravity research, and trials for re-entry vehicles and payload recovery systems. The centre also plays a vital role in education, offering facilities to support university-level research and STEM learning for primary and secondary students. It has already hosted numerous events focused on rocketry and cansat projects for Welsh pupils. Jeremy Howitt, SAC's technical director, expressed his hopes for the centre by saying: "As well as providing much needed testing facilities to the UK space industry, we hope the centre will help to stimulate local and national interest in the space industry and inspire more young people to engage in a career in the space industry." Article continues below Plans for expanding educational facilities are also on the cards, with ambitions to eventually introduce a new Space Discovery Centre that would include observatories and a planetarium, aimed at boosting astrotourism. Lee Paul, SAC's CEO, enthused about the location's potential: "We are in one of the most accessible and spectacular Dark Skies settings in the world!"
ITV News
23-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
'Lift off' for new space centre in Snowdonia
Snowdonia Space Centre launch rocket to celebrate grand opening. The Snowdonia Space Centre has officially opened, with a small rocket having been launched to mark the occasion. The launch used one of the two new launch rails which is at the centre, which opened on 22 May. A high altitude balloon was also launched, with visitors being able to track its progress to the edge of space from the mission control room. "Facilities like this will play a crucial role in delivering our National Space Strategy for Wales, strengthening Wales' position as a hub for innovation, and helping drive forward the UK's space ambitions," Rebecca Evans, MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, who attended the grand opening, said. The Space Centre received £820,000 of funding from the UK Space Agency to support its development. It is believed the new centre will provide a boost for the economy and employment opportunities. They will also have educational facilities to support universities and STEM learning. Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "The opening of the Snowdonia Space Centre cements our commitment to building a space ecosystem right across the UK. "The Centre will not only drive economic growth in North Wales but also inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through its outstanding educational facilities, strengthening Britain's position as a space superpower.' The new space centre features a flight test range, rocket engine test stand, launch rails and high-tech labs. "As well as providing much needed testing facilities to the UK space industry, we hope the Centre will help to stimulate local and national interest in the space industry and inspire more young people to engage in a career in the space industry," Jeremy Howitt, Technical Director of Snowdonia Space Centre, said.
North Wales Live
22-05-2025
- Science
- North Wales Live
Live rocket firing launches Space Age in North Wales
The Space Age arrived in North Wales today (Thursday, May 22) with the formal opening of state-of-the-art testing facilities in Eryri (Snowdonia). A rocket was launched and a high-altitude balloon was dispatched to the edge of space from a disused airfield at Llanbedr, Gwynedd. The new Space Test & Training Centre (STTC) blasted off in style with a series of demonstrations for gathered dignitaries. Among those watching on the UK Space Agency's launch director Matt Archer, who said the new facilities were a 'significant step forward for the UK's space capabilities'. Testing facilities at the newly built STTC includes a centrifuge, vibration table, aerostructures rig and teaching laboratory. Also on site is a thermal-cycling vacuum chamber that simulates the extreme temperatures and near-vacuum of space environments – the idea is to test whether newly developed systems can withstand these conditions. The centre also features a rocket engine test stand and two variable inclination rail launchers. These enable both vertical launches for rockets, and horizontal launches for rocket planes. To mark the facility's unveiling, a live rocket firing demonstration was successfully conducted by Norfolk's Launch Access. In addition, a high-altitude balloon was launched by Sheffield-based Sent Into Space. Via its attached CubeSat nanosatellite, visitors could view and track its progress to the edge of space from the STTC mission control room. The new hi-tech centre is a joint venture between the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre and Newton Launch Systems. To support its development, it received £820,000 from the UK Space Agency as part of a total investment in excess £1.3m. UK telecoms minister Sir Chris Bryant said the Llanbedr facility will help the UK develop into a 'space superpower'. He said: 'The opening of the Snowdonia Space Centre cements our commitment to building a space ecosystem right across the UK. 'The centre will not only drive economic growth in North Wales but also inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through its outstanding educational facilities, strengthening Britain's position as a space superpower.' For the space industry, the new centre provides low-cost access to testing facilities. It is hoped the site will enable companies to accelerate the development of new products and technologies. Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans said being at the centre's official opening was a 'real privilege'. Also present were representatives from Space Wales. She added: 'This is a landmark moment not only for the local community – bringing new opportunities, skills, and investment to the region – but also for the wider UK space sector. 'Facilities like this will play a crucial role in delivering our National Space Strategy for Wales, strengthening Wales' position as a hub for innovation and helping drive forward the UK's space ambitions.' Snowdonia Aerospace Centre (SAC) already provides access to Special Use Airspace (SUA) immediately around the former Llanbedr Airfield. This use has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority to support the ongoing development of novel aerospace systems in the UK. To accommodate its space testing programme, the SUA has now been extended to include a larger area over Cardigan Bay. Also at the STTC is a flight test range for trialling various modes of space flight. This provides a dedicated area for rocket-powered vehicles, near-space scientific flights, microgravity research and trials of re-entry vehicles and payload recovery systems. Another crucial remit of the STTC is to provide educational facilities to support universities as well as primary and secondary STEM learning. Already it has hosted several rocketry and cansat-focused STEM events for Welsh pupils. Jeremy Howitt, SAC's technical director, said: 'As well as providing much needed testing facilities to the UK space industry, we hope the centre will help to stimulate local and national interest in the space industry and inspire more young people to engage in a career in the space industry.' It is hoped education and other facilities opportunities can be expanded over time. A key plan, with astrotourism also in mind, is the creation of a new Space Discovery Centre featuring observatories and a planetarium. 'We are in one of the most accessible and spectacular Dark Skies settings in the world!' noted SAC CEO Lee Paul.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AAC Clyde Space AB (ACCMF) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Contracts and Challenges ...
Release Date: May 15, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. AAC Clyde Space AB (ACCMF) maintained strong EBITDA this quarter, indicating progress towards profitability. The company secured a significant contract with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency to develop a new constellation of satellites, valued at 350 million, with half funded by the government. AAC Clyde Space AB (ACCMF) is launching its first satellite in the new data and services constellation, Viium, later this year, expanding its business beyond hardware. The company has a strong order backlog, providing 80% of the yearly revenue needed to achieve financial objectives. AAC Clyde Space AB (ACCMF) has a positive relationship with space agencies, facilitating innovative programs like Inflection, which is a public-private partnership. Net sales were maintained from last year, but the company hoped for growth, indicating potential challenges in achieving sales targets. Cash flow was negative this quarter, which is expected to vary significantly due to the nature of the business. The order backlog has reduced to a level where the company is not comfortable, indicating potential challenges in meeting future sales targets. The company faces external challenges such as new tariffs and market uncertainties, impacting its operations. There are concerns about the variation in sales due to the lumpy nature of the space business, with large contracts causing fluctuations. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Signs with ACCMF. Q: Could you provide an overview of AAC Clyde Space and what sets it apart from the competition? A: AAC Clyde Space aims to leverage space technology to improve life on Earth. The company delivers both hardware and data services, focusing on maritime tracking, forest management, and climate monitoring. They differentiate themselves by being agile and capable of quick delivery compared to larger competitors like Airbus and Lockheed Martin. Q: How does AAC Clyde Space view its financial results for the quarter, particularly regarding net sales and cash flow? A: The company maintained its net sales from the previous year, despite external challenges. While cash flow was negative, this is expected due to the nature of their business, which involves large procurements and variable cash flows. They emphasize judging their performance on an annual basis rather than quarterly. Q: What are the key strategic milestones for AAC Clyde Space in the coming year? A: The company is focused on launching the first satellite in their new data and services constellation, expanding their maritime services, and securing a significant contract for weather instruments. They are also working on a 350 million contract with the European and UK Space Agencies to develop a new satellite constellation. Q: Can you explain the company's relationship with space agencies and the significance of the Inflection project? A: AAC Clyde Space has a strong relationship with the UK and European Space Agencies, which has led to the Inflection project. This initiative is based on innovative technology for ship tracking and communications, with half of the funding coming from government sources. The project is seen as a unique capability for Europe. Q: What is the company's outlook for the rest of the year, and have there been any changes to their guidance? A: AAC Clyde Space maintains its guidance for double-digit growth in net sales, positive EBITDA, and operational cash flow. They have a strong pipeline and expect significant developments in the last quarter of the year, with ongoing investments in data and services to build their backlog. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
