The Three Gorges Dam Above Earth project is a visionary initiative by China that aims to build massive power stations in outer space using super-heavy rockets. In what is set to become another marvel of human engineering, a senior Chinese scientist has revealed plans to harness solar energy from space and beam it back to Earth. Dubbed “another Three Gorges Dam Above Earth project,” this ambitious endeavor reflects China’s bold pursuit of large-scale, futuristic energy solutions that could redefine global power generation.
Space-based solar power stations can collect energy from the sun while in the earth’s orbit and transmit to the surface. This therefore allows the provision of continuous power. This is internationally known as the “Manhattan Project” of the energy sector.
Google is also entering into the space race with plans announced recently to build data centers in space. Its first two prototype satellites are planned to occur by early 2027
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What are the Advantages of Space-based Solar Stations?
The space-based solar stations have the ability of collecting energy without necessarily being affected by seasons or even the day-night cycles. Additionally, the energy density in space is much higher as compared to here on Earth. It is approximately ten times the average energy density on the earth’s surface.
“We are currently thoroughly working on this project. This project is significant as moving Three Gorges Dam to a geostationary orbit that is 36,000km (22,370 miles) above the earth. This is indeed an incredible and interesting power project to look forward to, stated Long Lehao who is a rocket scientist and also a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).
The mega Three Gorges Dam in central China is currently the world’s largest hydropower project. This mega project is located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze, which is the longest river in China. This dam possesses an impressive annual power generation capacity of approximately 100 billion kWh.
“Just imagine the installation of a solar array 1km wide along the 36,000km geostationary orbit,” Long stated.
Capacity of the “Three Gorges Dam Above Earth” Project
“The energy that will be collected in just a single year will be same as the overall amount of oil that can be extracted from Earth.”
In order to make this massive and ambitious project a reality, key significant advances should be first made. These developments are to be made in the heavy-lift rocket technology to transport the required materials to the outer space. Furthermore, new technologies are also needed that will enable the transmission of the collected energy from space to earth’s surface.
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