Beaming energy like a sci-fi Wi-Fi router from hell. These systems generate electricity (likely from solar in space or ground-based fusion) and convert it into a focused beam of microwaves. This beam is transmitted wirelessly over long distances—for example, from a solar satellite in orbit to a receiving rectenna (rectifying antenna) on Earth—where it's converted back into grid electricity. It's the solution for powering remote bases, disaster zones, or entire cities without cables, but the idea of firing megawatt microwave beams through the atmosphere makes people understandably nervous.
*Example: "The moon base gets its power from microwave power plants—solar arrays on the lunar equator beam it up as microwaves to satellites, which then beam it down to our outpost at the pole. Just don't walk through the receiving zone without your protective suit unless you fancy being cooked from the inside."
by Dumuabzu January 29, 2026
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