SatMagazine’s latest Blake Brief article, “Solar Harvesting in the High Frontier,” highlights recent breakthroughs in launch technology and high-efficiency solar cells, along with how the potential for large-scale, in-orbit maintenance, has renewed the interest in space-based solar power (SBSP). Proponents believe SBSP could provide a sustainable energy source with competitive pricing and lower emissions compared to traditional methods, while critics caution that the technology still faces substantial viability challenges and could introduce new environmental risks.

The article discusses the complex liability issues related to SBSP. While SBSP developers can utilize current liability-limiting laws for space activities, they must also be ready for operational and regulatory risks specific to transmitting energy from orbit to Earth. Additionally, since the statutory cross-waiver only covers personal injury and property damage, SBSP operators should explicitly identify and manage any extra risks through customized indemnities, specialized insurance, and strong technical safeguards.

Read the full article here.