US space startup Overview Energy plans to demonstrate its space-based solar power system from low Earth orbit in 2028. The company is developing satellites that collect solar energy in space and convert it into near-infrared light before beaming it to solar facilities on Earth.
Overview Energy has already demonstrated wireless power transfer from an airborne platform. Its next step is to transmit energy from a satellite in orbit, with the company listing 2028 as the target for its first low-Earth-orbit power transfer. It ultimately plans to operate satellites in geosynchronous orbit, where they can collect sunlight continuously.
The startup signed an agreement with Meta in April that gives the technology company access to up to 1 gigawatt of space-based solar capacity. Under the agreement, Overview expects an initial orbital demonstration in 2028, while commercial power delivery is targeted for 2030.
The system is designed to beam energy to existing solar farms rather than requiring entirely new ground infrastructure. The additional light could allow those facilities to generate electricity beyond normal daylight hours. Overview says its satellites could eventually provide power continuously by collecting sunlight in space, where solar generation is not interrupted by night.
Founded in 2022, Overview is developing the technology as demand for reliable electricity grows alongside artificial intelligence and data-centre expansion. The company’s planned 2028 demonstration is intended to test whether space-based solar energy can be transmitted to Earth at a useful scale.
