14 min read·
Space-based solar power costs in 2026: launch mass, rectenna investment, and path to competitive LCOE
Details the cost structure of space-based solar power systems: current estimates range from $2–12/W installed versus $0.70–1.20/W for terrestrial solar, driven by launch costs of $1,500–2,700/kg and GW-scale orbital assembly requirements. Analyzes how Starship-class vehicles at $100–500/kg could bring SBSP LCOE below $100/MWh by the late 2030s.