Nearly every satellite orbiting Earth today—about 13,500 active out of 16,600 total—is powered by solar energy. From low Earth orbit constellations to high-altitude communications platforms, solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays convert sunlight into electricity to sustain onboard systems, sensors, and communications. Only a handful rely on nuclear or battery-based power. This near-universal reliance on solar energy makes our planet's orbital layer effectively a solar-powered extension of civilization.

The Coming Age of Personal Satellites

As launch costs fall and hardware miniaturizes, we're entering a new era where individuals, artists, schools, and local communities can own, commission, or rent micro-satellites. These "personal satellites" will act as creative beacons, data mirrors, and communication hubs—each powered by sunlight and connected through the TC-S Network. Just as websites democratized information, personal satellites will democratize presence in space.

Why the Foundation Provides Satellite Tracking Data

The TC-S Network Foundation shares live satellite tracking data because transparency in orbit is as essential as transparency in finance or governance. Every Solar token and every beam of energy connects Earth's surface economy to its orbital infrastructure. By showing where satellites are, how they move, and how they harvest sunlight, the Foundation ensures that humanity's shared solar assets remain open, accountable, and ethically aligned—a clear window into our collective sky.