
The Solar System formed at least 4.568 billion years ago from the gravitational collapse of a region within a large . This initial cloud was likely several light-years across and probably birthed several stars. As is typical of molecular clouds, this one consisted mostly of hydrogen, with some helium, and small amounts of heavier elements by previous generations of stars.

Space-based solar power (SBSP or SSP) is the concept of collecting in with solar power satellites (SPS) and distributing it to . Its advantages include a higher collection of energy due to the lack of and absorption by the , the possibility of very little night, and a better ability to orient to face the Sun. Space-based solar power systems convert

Each ISS solar array wing (often abbreviated "SAW") consists of two retractable "blankets" of solar cells with a mast between them. Each wing is the largest ever deployed in space, weighing over 2,400 pounds and using nearly 33,000 solar arrays, each measuring 8-cm square with 4,100 diodes. When fully extended, each is 35 metres (115 ft) in length and 12 metres (39 ft) wide. Each SAW is c.