Japan’s OHISAMA Project Aims to Beam Solar Power from Space This Year
July 14, 2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Japan could be on the cusp of making history with its OHISAMA project in its quest to become the first country to transmit solar power from space to Earth, The Volt reported.
Developed by Japan Space Systems, the ambitious initiative seeks to harness the sun’s energy in space and beam it back to Earth, potentially revolutionizing the generation and distribution of clean energy. The project aims to be operational later this year, and if successful, the landmark project could see space-based solar power (SBSP) as an additional source of clean, continuous electricity.
The plan is to launch a 180-kilogram satellite into low Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 400 kilometers. Equipped with a 2-square-meter photovoltaic (PV) panel, the satellite will convert solar energy into electricity, store it in onboard batteries, and then beam it as microwave energy to a receiving station on Earth.
Although the system will transmit only 1 kilowatt—enough to power a small appliance — at the April 2024 International Conference on Energy from Space in London, Japan Space Systems adviser Koichi Ijichi said, “This mission marks a pivotal step towards realizing space-based solar power stations that could provide clean energy irrespective of weather conditions on Earth,” Space.com reported.
A January 2024 NASA report raised concerns about cost and excessive greenhouse gases produced by rockets launching assemblies into orbit, which the report stated could threaten to tip the scales, making SBSP much less climate-friendly than Earth-based technologies.
However, RatedPower reported that advances in launch vehicles, solar panels, and wireless transmission could gradually make SBSP viable, given that orbital systems can generate up to 13 times more energy than ground-based panels, potentially matching the output of nuclear plants.
Japan hopes OHISAMA will pave the way for future gigawatt-scale SBSP systems to deliver around-the-clock, weatherproof renewable power from space.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Eutelsat Procures a Further 340 OneWeb Low Earth Orbit Satellites From Airbus
01/12/2026 | BUSINESS WIREEutelsat has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract to build a further 340 OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Spire Global Successfully Launches 9 Satellites on SpaceX’s Twilight Mission
01/12/2026 | BUSINESS WIRESpire Global, Inc., a leading global provider of satellite data, analytics, and intelligence, successfully launched nine satellites aboard SpaceX’s Twilight mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Mitsubishi Joins Starlab as Major Space Station Customer
01/12/2026 | BUSINESS WIREStarlab Space LLC today announced that Mitsubishi Corporation has reserved and pre-purchased capacity on Starlab's commercial space station, becoming a foundational customer while simultaneously increasing their investment in the company and joining Starlab's Board of Directors through representative Issei Shinohara.
Nordson SELECT System Boosts Kamstrup Output by 20%
01/09/2026 | Nordson SELECTNordson Electronics Solutions announced that Kamstrup has increased production throughput 20% and reclaimed 6 meters (19.7 feet) of factory floor space by upgrading its through‑hole technology (THT) production line with the Nordson SELECT Synchro selective soldering system.
Vertical Aerospace Strengthens Leadership Team with Powertrain, Data and People Appointments
01/08/2026 | BUSINESS WIREVertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, today announced the appointments of Ollie Roberts as Chief People Officer (CPO), Juan Carlos Sacristan as Chief Data & Information Officer (CDIO), and Richard Moore as Vice President, Powertrain.