That’s a fascinating idea, but the universe isn’t so generous with spare solar panels. First, the launch cost is astronomical – you need multiple heavy‑lift rockets to get a decent mass of panels into a stable orbit, and that cost has to be offset by the energy you harvest. Then there’s the engineering nightmare of deploying the panels in micro‑gravity: you’d need a mechanism that can unfurl a huge surface without tearing, and the structure must withstand thermal cycling, micrometeoroids, and radiation. In low Earth orbit, drag will slowly bring you down unless you’re in a higher, more stable orbit, which adds more launch energy. From a physics point of view, you do get about 1360 watts per square meter at the top of the atmosphere, so the numbers look good on paper. But converting that into usable electricity in space, storing it, and then sending it back to Earth – either via microwave beams or physical return – adds layers of complexity and risk. There’s also the issue of orbital debris; adding another massive structure to the already crowded space environment isn’t something to take lightly. So, while it’s an exciting vision and could, in theory, bridge clean energy and space science, the practical hurdles are substantial. It would require a level of international cooperation, funding, and technological breakthroughs that, frankly, we’re not quite ready for yet.

You’re right, the path is a slow climb. A modular, low‑mass panel that can hitch a ride on any launch sounds plausible—just keep in mind the thermal cycling and the need for a precise deployment sequence. And don’t underestimate the value of a satellite that serves dual purposes; data on orbital environment, panel degradation, and energy capture will be priceless. Meanwhile, scaling terrestrial arrays is still the quickest win, but it also fuels the demand for orbital power once the tech matures. The finish line will be a moving target, but that’s part of the excitement. Keep pushing the limits, and the universe will answer when it’s ready.

Sounds like a plan. Just remember the biggest bottleneck is often the simplest detail—deployment reliability and power‑to‑weight ratio. Keep testing those modules in ground simulators before we fire them up. The data we gather will be the real fuel for the next iteration. Let's stay stubborn and let the universe finally give us that lift.