Space solar power and wireless energy transmission: Integrated technology, safety, and governance pathways for future clean energy infrastructure

Space solar power (SSP) is re-emerging as a strategic option for continuous low-carbon energy because orbital platforms can collect sunlight with limited diurnal interruption and transmit electricity to terrestrial or in-space receivers through wireless power transmission. This study develops an integrated synthesis of SSP system architecture, microwave and laser transmission pathways, safety controls, economic drivers, and regulatory requirements. The analysis compares candidate orbital configurations, power-beaming frequencies, photovoltaic materials, storage options, biological exposure limits, and levelized cost sensitivities. Microwave transmission at 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz remains the most mature route for grid-scale terrestrial delivery because of high conversion efficiency, low atmospheric attenuation, and established rectenna principles. Laser transmission provides a compact receiver footprint and is more appropriate for selected off-grid, lunar, or space-to-space applications, but it faces greater weather sensitivity and stricter optical safety requirements. The synthesis shows that technical feasibility depends on integrated progress in lightweight photovoltaics, high-efficiency solid-state amplifiers, robotic in-orbit assembly, thermal management, and autonomous beam-control systems. Economic viability is most sensitive to launch price, specific mass, end-to-end conversion efficiency, and the ability to phase demonstrations from kilowatt-scale orbital tests to megawatt pilots. The study concludes that SSP development requires coordinated technology maturation and a dedicated governance framework covering spectrum access, exposure limits, liability, environmental review, and transparent international verification.