Space-based solar power, once confined to science fiction, is gaining new attention as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos announce plans for solar-powered AI data centers in orbit. The concept, dating back to Isaac Asimov's 1941 story and Peter Glaser's 1968 proposal, involves satellites with solar panels beaming energy back to Earth.

While the economics remain challenging, tech billionaires with ambitious timelines - Musk claims three years, others predict a decade - are driving renewed interest. The technology could potentially power AI data centers that consume as much electricity as small cities, raising questions about terrestrial power demand as AI becomes the electric industry's primary growth driver.

The implications extend beyond AI centers. If successful, space-based solar could supply micro-grids, small systems, or even central power networks. This shift comes as the Trump administration moves away from decarbonization efforts, making the technology's potential impact on traditional electricity markets particularly significant.