Japan’s OHISAMA mission marked a significant breakthrough in space-based solar power on January 13, 2026. The mission successfully transmitted 1 kW of microwave energy from a satellite orbiting 400 km above Earth to ground-based receivers. This achievement validates the concept of wireless power transfer from space to Earth, paving the way for future renewable energy solutions that could revolutionize global power generation.
At the core of this technology is the ability to capture uninterrupted sunlight using solar panels in orbit. Unlike terrestrial solar farms, which are limited by weather conditions and nighttime darkness, space-based systems can operate continuously. The collected energy is converted into microwaves and beamed down to Earth, where it can be reconverted into electricity. Experts estimate that a single such satellite could eventually supply gigawatts of power, sufficient to energize hundreds of thousands of homes and contribute to a more sustainable energy infrastructure.
While celebrated as a world’s first, the OHISAMA test is part of an ongoing evolution in the field. It builds upon earlier demonstrations, such as Caltech’s 2023 experiment that showcased similar microwave transmission capabilities. However, other nations are progressing rapidly; China, in particular, is leading with ambitious state-supported projects aiming to deploy megawatt-scale prototypes by the 2030s, potentially accelerating the commercialization of space solar power.
