Source Review: Orbysa — SBSP Rise (2026)

Verdict: Consistent Confidence: medium

Trade-press SBSP industry overview. Aetherflux Q1 2027 launch and China's 2028 1 km array figures are useful waypoints for the BAU SBSP deployment scenario in q6.c4. The 40-50% array efficiency and $0.5-1/W cost target are company-projection figures rather than independent assessment; treated as aspirational. No direct conflicts with tier S findings.

Abstract

Industry news overview of SBSP industry as of February 2026. Reports 40-50% array efficiency at 10+ km² scale, with 5-10 km² ground rectennas, targeting 10 GW stations at $0.5-1/W. Key players: Aetherflux (Galactic Brain orbiting data centers, Q1 2027 launch); China (1 km solar array by 2028); Caltech + Aetherflux US programs gaining traction; ESA, Japan, Korea participating. 25-year deorbit rule compliance noted as regulatory constraint.

Key claims

• aetherflux-q1-2027: Aetherflux Galactic Brain (orbiting data centers) Q1 2027 launch target.
• china-1km-array-2028: China plans 1 km solar array deployment by 2028.
• cost-target-half-dollar-per-watt: 10 GW stations at $0.5-1/W cost target.
• array-size: 10+ km² orbital arrays, 5-10 km² ground rectennas.

Reviewer notes

Tier D: mainstream-press / industry-news outlet. Trade-press characterization of the 2026 SBSP industry. Aetherflux's Q1 2027 launch and China's 2028 array are useful waypoints for the near-term SBSP mass-demand calc. The $0.5-1/W cost target is aggressive vs NASA OTPS's conservative LCOE; treat as company projection rather than independent assessment.