U.S. DOE and DOD Invest in Space-Based Solar Power Technology
News related to:Helio Corporation · 2 min read
On August 31, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced significant funding for research and development (R&D) in space photovoltaics, marking a substantial push into space-based solar power (SBSP). This move, coupled with increased investment by the Department of Defense (DOD), signals a growing federal commitment to advancing SBSP technology.
Helio Corporation, a developer of advanced space-based solar power and engineering technologies, welcomed the news. Founded in 2018, the company has already delivered flight-proven hardware across four lunar missions and developed deployable mechanisms, antenna systems, and other space-qualified technologies for NASA and commercial space programs. Helio is now positioning itself to apply for a DOE R&D grant program aimed at reducing the cost of solar technology for space applications and enhancing domestic AI and manufacturing capabilities.
According to Helio's CEO, Ed Cabrera, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that U.S. electricity consumption will reach record levels in 2026 and 2027, largely driven by the energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-computing applications. This surge in energy demand is part of the rationale behind the federal investment in SBSP.
The Department of Defense has also increased its investment in space solar technology to establish and scale domestic manufacturing of space solar cell technology. This move is intended to strengthen the U.S. space industrial base and secure domestic access to critical components for satellite power systems, underscoring the strategic and national-security importance of SBSP technology.
Helio Corporation sees these developments as reinforcing the potential strategic importance of space-based energy. SBSP systems are designed to collect solar energy in orbit and transmit electricity to Earth or other locations through wireless power transmission. Unlike terrestrial solar, orbital systems can access sunlight above the atmosphere and are not subject to the same nighttime and weather limitations.
"The energy requirements of AI are forcing governments and industry to consider fundamentally new approaches to power generation and delivery," Cabrera stated. "We believe space-based solar power has the potential to become an important component of that future infrastructure."
Helio Corporation is positioned to pursue this opportunity with technology and experience already proven in space. The company has secured contracts with Elysium, a cognitive microcity in Florida, and Poderosa S.A., one of the largest gold producers in Latin America. With its combination of flight heritage, engineering expertise, and Space-Based Solar Power technology, Helio believes it is well-placed to compete for government-funded programs and help build the infrastructure that could power the next era of American energy.
The growing federal commitment to SBSP marks an important shift from long-term vision to active development of a new strategic energy industry. Helio is at the forefront of this technological revolution, aiming to establish orbital energy platforms as a foundational layer of the global power grid, delivering uninterrupted, carbon-free electricity at scale and reshaping how nations power cities, industries, and critical systems.