Beyond Earth: How Virtus Solis is Harnessing the Power of Space to Revolutionize Energy Production

Virtus Solis, a startup founded by former SpaceX rocket engineer John Bucknell, plans to use the Starship rocket to launch solar cells that are one kilometer wide. This initiative aims to generate and transmit electricity in space. The company introduced this concept at the International Conference on Space Energy in London, where it was well received by attendees.

According to Bucknell, the Starship rocket will revolutionize the production of solar power in space. He believes that this innovation will make orbital power plants more cost-effective compared to many methods used on Earth. The cost of launching satellites into space has significantly decreased in recent years thanks to reusable rocket technology pioneered by SpaceX. Virtus Solis estimates that the cost of launching goods into space with SpaceX is currently less than $3,000 per kilogram.

With the promise of the Starship rocket reducing launch costs to $10 USD per kilogram, Bucknell envisions a future where solar power from space will be cheaper than traditional power sources like nuclear or coal power plants on Earth. Currently, solar power on Earth is one of the most affordable energy sources at less than $30 per megawatt-hour.

Virtus Solis plans to construct giant solar panels that are one kilometer wide using 1.6-meter-wide modules assembled in orbit with robots. The company aims to transport hundreds of these modules using the Starship rocket to the Molniya orbit, which orbits the Earth at altitudes ranging from 800 km to 35,000 km. By 2030, Virtus Solis hopes to have a megawatt-level commercial solar power plant operational in space.

Overall, Virtus Solis’s innovative approach towards generating and transmitting electricity in space could lead to significant advancements in renewable energy production and reduce our reliance on traditional fossil fuels sources on Earth.