Space-based solar power: legal frameworks and sustainable development perspectives

The global push for sustainable energy solutions has sparked interest in Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) as a transformative innovation. This review article explores SBSP through the dual lenses of legal frameworks and sustainable development. It provides an analysis of the legal landscape governing SBSP, focusing on international treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Agreement, and examining jurisdictional, liability, and ownership issues. The review article also evaluates the environmental and social implications of SBSP, including space debris management, ecological impacts, energy accessibility, and geopolitical considerations. Equity concerns surrounding the fair distribution of SBSP benefits are addressed, alongside case studies of national and international SBSP initiatives. The review article identifies key legal, technical, and socio-economic challenges hindering SBSP’s integration into the global energy paradigm and offers potential mitigation strategies. It calls on policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to collaborate in navigating the complex legal terrain and overcoming technological and economic hurdles. The review article aims to illuminate SBSP's role as a driver of sustainable development, offering pathways for its responsible deployment in the twenty-first century.