Orbital Tidal Energy: How space-based power could generate terawatts and solve the climate crisis

A concept of orbital tidal energy is proposed, where deformable structures in highly elliptical Earth orbits use varying tidal forces to compress a working gas and generate electricity. Analysis shows that 10,000 satellites equipped with inflatable balloons of about 30 m in diameter could generate 2.7–3.7 TW of power. The technology provides a specific power of 900–12,200 W/kg with a payback period of less than a year. Unlike solar panels, the source of energy is Earth's rotation. The fundamental physics are gravity, as described by general relativity, and tidal heating observed on Io and Europa. The technology consumes no fuel and practically does not pollute the environment. Options to increase efficiency using tethers are considered, and economic and environmental parameters are analyzed.