What if the answer to Earth’s energy crisis isn’t on Earth at all?
Space-Based Solar Power has lived in science fiction for decades. But now, with falling launch costs, autonomous robotics, and precision manufacturing, it’s moving closer to engineering reality.
Sanjay Vijendran, Director of Space Energy Insights and former European Space Agency lead on orbital solar, joins Mark and Jeremy to Think on Paper about what it would take to beam clean energy from orbit back down to Earth.
They talk wireless power transmission, lunar manufacturing, energy poverty, and whether space infrastructure can offer what terrestrial systems never could — a constant, global power supply.
If the sun is always shining in space, the real question is whether we’re ready to catch it.
Please enjoy the show. And share with a curious friend.
--
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Big Problems and Solutions
(01:03) Exploring Space-Based Solar Power
(02:41) Energy Poverty and Its Global Impact
(05:03) The Viability of Space-Based Solar Power
(07:23) Wireless Power Transmission: A Game Changer
(10:14) Technical Challenges of Scaling Up
(12:03) Cost Considerations and Economic Viability
(14:27) Future of Manufacturing in Space
(17:15) Hot Takes and Personal Insights
(19:55) Economics of Space-Based Solar Power
(29:21) Understanding Energy Sources and Their Economics
(31:22) Emerging Private Companies in Space-Based Solar Power
(33:19) Comparing Power Delivery Methods: RF vs. Lasers
(35:47) Safety Mechanisms in Space-Based Power Systems
(41:06) Collaboration vs. Competition in Space Energy
(42:37) Political and Cultural Barriers to Space Energy Adoption
(46:44) The Urgency of Investing in Space-Based Solar Power
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!