Abstract: As an aerospace engineering system that collects and converts solar energy in space on a large scale and transmits electric power to the ground power grid via wireless means, space solar power (SSP) is once again receiving extensive attention from major spacefaring nations such as the United States of America, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and Australia as well as relevant international organizations and private companies. China has officially carried out sustained and in-depth research in the field of space solar power since 2006. Over the past 20 years, remarkable research achievements with international influence have been made. This paper reviews the main development process of China's space solar power program, focusing on the proposed phased development roadmap for space solar power, the internationally representative innovative design schemes of space solar power with Chinese characteristics, and the important progress made in key technologies such as space high voltage and high power electricity generation and management, and high efficiency wireless power transmission. It also puts forward suggestions for further on-orbit verification of key technologies and phased large scale application and development of space solar power, so as to lay the foundation for broader development and utilization of space solar energy represented by space data centers.

Key words: space solar power, development history, roadmap, concept, key technologies