SOLARBIRD is a solar power generation system based in space. It is possible to build such a system with the serial launching of a number of small power-generating satellites, each of which will have a span of a few hundred meters. As the constellation of satellites grows, the system will eventually be able to generate a significant amount of electrical power. Orbiting in formation, dozens of these small satellites will maintain a geosynchronous orbit, converting solar power into microwaves for transmission to the earth. The resulting system will boast an output equivalent to that of the giant satellite originally envisaged for space-based power generation.

The considerable advantage of a space-based system is that the energy of the sun's rays that bathe a satellite in geosynchronous orbit is approximately double what it is on the earth's surface. What is more, a satellite will be exposed to the sunlight for four to five times longer than is possible on the earth. As a result, the system can produce a stable and efficient supply of solar power eight to ten times what it would be on the earth -- for almost 24 hours a day.

Primary mirror: follows the sun, making one full revolution per day and reflecting the rays to a secondary mirror.

Secondary mirror: reflects the light from the primary mirror to focus on solar cells mounted on the back of the transmission antenna.

Transmission antenna: made up of several small antennas, the phased-array antenna directs a microwave beam to the earth.