China considering space-based solar power station

Chinese scientists are considering how they can build and put into orbit a massive space station that would supply a constant stream of solar energy to Earth. The project, which is still in the conceptual stage, would involve a satellite that weighs more than 10,000 lbs., dwarfing anything previously placed into orbit, including the International Space Station, according to the China-based Xinhuanet, part of the Xinhua News Agency. While space-based solar power is not a new idea, some Chinese scientists believe a collector could be launched as soon as 2020, although others place the launch date further out, as far away 2050. More

(Source: Computerworld - Mar 31)