Abstract: Space solar power (SSP) system, a major type of space-based power-generating equipment, is an important infrastructure providing massive, continuous, and stable green electricity by utilizing solar energy in space. Many countries and organizations consider SSP to be one of the most promising clean energy sources. The historical activities of SSP in the world are summarized. This review focuses on the significant development of SSP during the last 10 years, which is the most important period for SSP. The latest international SSP development programmes in the United States, ESA, Japan, China, UK and Korea are presented. Some significant solar power satellite(SPS) concepts proposed in the decade, including typical SPS-ALPHA, MR-SPS, CASSIOPeiA SPS, et al., are introduced. The technical and non-technical challenges are also listed and several important in-space demonstration missions in recent years and in the near future are introduced. The conclusion is that the next 5 to 10 years will be an important period for rapidly developing the key technologies and conducting on-orbit demonstration and application. Controlling the mutual position relationship between the solar array and the transmitting antenna becomes a core issue to be considered in the innovative design of the SPS. Wireless power transmission technologies would be the demonstration focus for the first step. It is expected that the first commercial SPS would be constructed as early as 2040.

Key words: space solar power, solar power satellite, review, strategy, demonstration