Chinese scientists say a solar power station in a geosynchronous orbit could supply a constant stream of electricity.

NASA's conceptual drawing of a space-based solar power station. Credit: NASA

Chinese scientists are considering how they can build and put into orbit a massive space station that would supply a constant stream of solar energy to Earth.

The project, which is still in the conceptual stage, would involve a satellite that weighs more than 10,000 lbs., dwarfing anything previously placed into orbit, including the International Space Station, according to the China-based Xinhuanet, part of the Xinhua News Agency.

While space-based solar power is not a new idea, some Chinese scientists believe a collector could be launched as soon as 2020, although others place the launch date further out, as far away 2050.

"China will build a space station in around 2020, which will open an opportunity to develop space solar power technology," Li Ming, vice president of the China Academy of Space Technology, was quoted as saying to the Xinhuan news agency.

Members of the both the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) wrote a report five years ago that suggested China should begin with an experimental space-based solar power station by 2030, and build a commercially viable space power station by 2050.

Wang Xiji, of the CAS and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics, said building a solar space station is feasible, although it would be an unprecedented and monumental task.

Xiji said a solar space station in a geosynchronous orbit could circumvent the problem with intermittent energy production on Earth, which must contend with nighttime and weather interruptions.

Duan Baoyan, a member of the CAE, said space-based solar panels could generate 10 times as much electricity as ground-based panels.

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China considering space-based solar power station