ThomHamilton - Slashdot User

Astrium Hopes To Test Grabbing Solar Energy From Orbit 144

Posted by timothy on Thursday January 21, 2010 @02:48PM
from the don't-stand-underneath-when-they-fly-by dept.

goldaryn writes "Word from the BBC today is that Europe's biggest space company is seeking partners to help get a satellite-based solar power trial into orbit: 'EADS Astrium says the satellite system would collect the Sun's energy and transmit it to Earth via an infrared laser, to provide electricity. Space solar power has been talked about for more than 30 years as an attractive concept because it would be 'clean, inexhaustible, and available 24 hours a day.' However, there have always been question marks over its cost, efficiency and safety. But Astrium believes the technology is close to proving its maturity.'"

+ - Space Shuttle Atlantis Launched

Submitted by duh P3rf3ss3r on Friday June 08, 2007 @10:42PM

duh P3rf3ss3r (967183) writes "The space shuttle Atlantis roared into space at 23:38 UTC this evening on the 117th shuttle mission. According to NASA, the mission will focus on installing a new truss assembly and changing some solar panels on the International Space Station. Video of the launch is available here."