Space-Based Solar Power Global Market Report 2026

Space-based solar power refers to the concept of capturing solar energy in space using satellites equipped with large solar panels. The collected energy is converted into microwaves or lasers and transmitted wirelessly to receiving stations on Earth. This approach allows for continuous, uninterrupted power generation that is not affected by weather conditions or the day-night cycle.

The main types of space-based solar power systems include microwave transmitting and laser transmitting. Microwave transmitting involves converting solar energy collected in space into microwave radiation and beaming it wirelessly to an Earth-based receiver, where it is transformed into usable electrical power. Its core components include solar collectors, power conversion units, transmission systems, and control and management systems. This technology is deployed through various methods, such as photovoltaic systems, thermal systems, and hybrid systems, and is used for applications including electricity generation and space-related operations. It serves a range of end users, including government and defense sectors, as well as commercial entities.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the space-based solar power market by increasing costs of imported photovoltaic materials, satellite components, power conversion units, transmission hardware, and precision manufacturing equipment. Government and defense-led projects in North America and Europe are most affected due to reliance on globally sourced aerospace components, while Asia-Pacific faces cost pressures in satellite manufacturing. These tariffs are raising research and deployment costs and extending development timelines. However, they are also encouraging domestic aerospace manufacturing, localized supply chains, and increased public investment in strategic space energy technologies.

The space-based solar power market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides space-based solar power market statistics, including space-based solar power industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a space-based solar power market share, detailed space-based solar power market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the space-based solar power industry. This space-based solar power market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The space-based solar power market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.71 billion in 2025 to $1.89 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to advancements in satellite and space launch technologies, early research into microwave power transmission, government-backed space energy programs, increasing interest in uninterrupted power supply concepts, availability of photovoltaic space systems.

The space-based solar power market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.8 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in space infrastructure, rising demand for continuous clean energy generation, expansion of international space energy collaborations, growing focus on energy security, advancements in laser and microwave transmission efficiency. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing development of large-scale orbital solar arrays, rising investment in wireless power transmission technologies, growing focus on space-based energy reliability, expansion of government-funded demonstration programs, enhanced integration of advanced control systems.

The growing emphasis on renewable energy is expected to drive the expansion of the space-based solar power market in the coming years. Renewable energy refers to power generated from natural sources that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. The increased focus on renewable energy is driven by concerns over climate change, as nations and industries look for sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen their reliance on fossil fuels. Space-based solar power improves renewable energy by providing a consistent and dependable source of solar energy, unaffected by weather or daylight conditions on Earth. For example, in December 2024, Eurostat, a Luxembourg-based government agency, reported that in 2023, renewable energy accounted for 24.5% of total energy consumption in the EU, up from 23.0% in 2022. Thus, the rising emphasis on renewable energy is fueling the growth of the space-based solar power market.

Key companies in the space-based solar power market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as advanced wireless power transmission, to boost energy efficiency and enable continuous power delivery from space. Advanced wireless power transmission refers to technology that allows the transfer of electrical energy over long distances without the use of physical wires, employing methods such as microwaves or lasers to effectively beam power from space to Earth. For example, in January 2023, the California Institute of Technology, a private research university in the U.S., launched the Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD) into orbit to test essential technologies for capturing solar energy in space and transmitting it wirelessly, either in orbit or to Earth. The SSPD features a large, ultra-light composite structure designed for easy deployment in space, supporting scalable solar panel arrays. It carries 32 different types of solar photovoltaic cells to assess their durability and efficiency in the challenging space environment. Additionally, it includes a flexible microwave power transmitter capable of wirelessly sending solar energy in space, demonstrating crucial technology for future power transmission to Earth or other spacecraft.

In October 2023, Space Solar Group Holdings Limited, a UK-based company specializing in space-based renewable energy technology, partnered with Thales Alenia Space to develop commercial-scale space-based solar power (SBSP) systems. This collaboration aims to establish space-based solar power as a new baseload energy technology to aid the transition to net-zero and ensure global energy security, providing clean, affordable energy for the benefit of humanity and the planet. Thales Alenia Space S.A., based in France, is a provider of space-based solar power systems.

Major companies operating in the space-based solar power market are Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus SE, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Solaren Corporation, Celestia Energy Corporation, Aetherflux Inc., SpaceTech GmbH, Thales Alenia Space, OHB SE, Azur Space Solar Power GmbH, SolAero Technologies Corporation, Space Solar (UK) Ltd, Emrod Limited, Stratosolar, Space Energy, SPS Energy, Lumen Orbit, Rocket Lab, CESI SpA, Airborne, Metasat, Virtus Solis Inc., Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

North America was the largest region in the space-based solar power market in 2025. Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the space-based solar power market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the space-based solar power market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain

The space-based solar power market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as feasibility studies, system design and integration, wireless power transmission services, orbital deployment services, and satellite operation and maintenance. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The space-based solar power market also includes sales of large panels, microwave transmitters, rectennas, power management electronics, and orbital antennas. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Space-Based Solar Power Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses space-based solar power market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for space-based solar power ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The space-based solar power market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Microwave Transmitting; Laser Transmitting
• 2) By Component: Solar Collectors; Power Conversion Units; Transmission Systems; Control And Management Systems
• 3) By Technology: Photovoltaic Systems; Thermal Systems; Hybrid Systems
• 4) By Application: Electricity Generation; Space Applications
• 5) By End-Users: Government And Defense; Commercial
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Microwave Transmitting: Rectenna Receiver; Phased Array Transmitter; Waveguide System; Beam Forming Unit
• 2) By Laser Transmitting: Optical Amplifier; Beam Steering Module; Photovoltaic Receiver; Laser Source Unit
• Companies Mentioned: Northrop Grumman Corporation; The Boeing Company; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Airbus SE; China Academy of Space Technology (CAST); Mitsubishi Electric Corporation; Solaren Corporation; Celestia Energy Corporation; Aetherflux Inc.; SpaceTech GmbH; Thales Alenia Space; OHB SE; Azur Space Solar Power GmbH; SolAero Technologies Corporation; Space Solar (UK) Ltd; Emrod Limited; Stratosolar; Space Energy; SPS Energy; Lumen Orbit; Rocket Lab; CESI SpA; Airborne; Metasat; Virtus Solis Inc.; Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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