Space-Based Solar Power - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

3/16/2014 Space-based solar power - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_solar_power 1/19
A laser pilot beam guide the
microwave power transmission to a
rectenna.
NASA Suntower concept.
Space-based solar power
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
See also: Solar panels on spacecraft
Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of collecting solar power in space (using an "SPS", that is, a
"solar-power satellite" or a "satellite power system") for use on Earth. It has been in research since the early 1970s.
SBSP would differ from current solar collection methods in that the means used to collect energy would reside on
an orbiting satellite instead of on Earth's surface. Some projected benefits of such a system are a higher collection
rate and a longer collection period due to the lack of a diffusing atmosphere and nighttime in space.
Part of the solar energy is lost on its way through the atmosphere by the effects of reflection and absorption. Space-
based solar power systems convert sunlight to microwaves outside the atmosphere, avoiding these losses, and the
downtime (and cosine losses, for fixed flat-plate collectors) due to the Earth's rotation.
Besides the cost of implementing such a system, SBSP also introduces several new hurdles, primarily the problem
of transmitting energy from orbit to Earth's surface for use. Since wires extending from Earth's surface to an orbiting
satellite are neither practical nor feasible with current technology, SBSP designs generally include the use of some
manner of wireless power transmission. The collecting satellite would convert solar energy into electrical energy on
board, powering a microwave transmitter or laser emitter, and focus its beam toward a collector (rectenna) on
Earth's surface. Radiation and micrometeoroid damage could also become concerns for SBSP.
Contents
1 History
1.1 SERT
2 Advantages
3 Disadvantages
4 Design
4.1 Solar concentrator
4.2 Microwave power transmission
4.3 Laser power beaming
4.4 Orbital location
4.5 Earth-based receiver
4.6 In space applications
5 Dealing with launch costs
5.1 Non-conventional launch methods
6 Building from space
6.1 From lunar materials launched in orbit
6.2 On the Moon
6.3 From an asteroid
6.4 Gallery
7 Counter arguments
7.1 Safety
8 Timeline
8 Timeline
9 In fiction
10 See also
11 References
12 External links
13 Videos
History
In 1941, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov published the science fiction short story "Reason", in which a space
station transmits energy collected from the Sun to various planets using microwave beams.
The SBSP concept, originally known as satellite solar-power system (SSPS), was first described in November
1968.
[1]
In 1973 Peter Glaser was granted U.S. patent number 3,781,647 for his method of transmitting power
over long distances (e.g. from an SPS to Earth's surface) using microwaves from a very large antenna (up to one
square kilometer) on the satellite to a much larger one, now known as a rectenna, on the ground.
[2]
Glaser then was a vice president at Arthur D. Little, Inc. NASA signed a contract with ADL to lead four other
companies in a broader study in 1974. They found that, while the concept had several major problems chiefly the
expense of putting the required materials in orbit and the lack of experience on projects of this scale in space it
showed enough promise to merit further investigation and research.
[3]
Between 1978 and 1981, the Congress authorized the Department of Energy (DoE) and NASA to jointly
investigate the concept. They organized the Satellite Power System Concept Development and Evaluation
Program.
[4][5]
The study remains the most extensive performed to date (budget $50 million).
[6]
Several reports
were published investigating the engineering feasibility of such an engineering project. They include:
Resource Requirements (Critical Materials, Energy, and Land)
[7]
Financial/Management Scenarios
[8][9]
Public Acceptance
[10]
State and Local Regulations as Applied to Satellite Power System Microwave Receiving Antenna
Facilities
[11]
Student Participation
[12]
Potential of Laser for SBSP Power Transmission
[13]
International Agreements
[14][15]
Centralization/Decentralization
[16]
Mapping of Exclusion Areas For Rectenna Sites
[17]
Economic and Demographic Issues Related to Deployment
[18]
Some Questions and Answers
[19]
Meteorological Effects on Laser Beam Propagation and Direct Solar Pumped Lasers
[20]
Public Outreach Experiment
[21]
Power Transmission and Reception Technical Summary and Assessment
[22]
Space Transportation
[23]
Artist's concept of Solar Power
Satellite in place. Shown is the
assembly of a microwave
transmission antenna. The solar
power satellite was to be located in a
geosynchronous orbit, 36,000 miles
above the Earth's surface. NASA
1976
SERT sandwich concept.NASA
The project was not continued with the change in administrations after the
1980 US Federal elections.
The Office of Technology Assessment
[24]
concluded
Too little is currently known about the technical, economic, and
environmental aspects of SPS to make a sound decision whether
to proceed with its development and deployment. In addition,
without further research an SPS demonstration or systems-
engineering verification program would be a high-risk venture.
In 1997 NASA conducted its "Fresh Look" study to examine the
modern state of SBSP feasibility.
[25]
In assessing "What has changed"
since the DOE study, NASA asserted that:
US National Space Policy now calls for NASA to make
significant investments in technology (not a particular vehicle) to
drive the costs of ETO [Earth to Orbit] transportation down
dramatically. This is, of course, an absolute requirement of space
solar power.
Conversely, Dr. Pete Worden claimed that space-based solar is about five orders of magnitude more expensive
than solar power from the Arizona desert, with a major cost being the transportation of materials to orbit. Dr.
Worden referred to possible solutions as speculative, and that would not be available for decades at the earliest.
[26]
On Nov 2, 2012, China proposed space collaboration with India that
mentioned SBSP, " . . . may be Space-based Solar Power initiative so
that both India and China can work for long term association with proper
funding along with other willing space faring nations to bring space solar
power to earth."
[27]
SERT
In 1999, NASA's Space Solar Power Exploratory Research and
Technology program (SERT) was initiated for the following purposes:
Perform design studies of selected flight demonstration concepts.
Evaluate studies of the general feasibility, design, and requirements.
Create conceptual designs of subsystems that make use of advanced SSP technologies to benefit future
space or terrestrial applications.
Formulate a preliminary plan of action for the U.S. (working with international partners) to undertake an
aggressive technology initiative.
Construct technology development and demonstration roadmaps for critical Space Solar Power (SSP)
elements.
SERT went about developing a solar power satellite (SPS) concept for a future gigawatt space power system, to
provide electrical power by converting the Suns energy and beaming it to Earth's surface, and provided a
conceptual development path that would utilize current technologies. SERT proposed an inflatable photovoltaic
gossamer structure with concentrator lenses or solar heat engines to convert sunlight into electricity. The program
looked both at systems in sun-synchronous orbit and geosynchronous orbit.
Some of SERT's conclusions:
The increasing global energy demand is likely to continue for many decades resulting in new power plants of
all sizes being built.
The environmental impact of those plants and their impact on world energy supplies and geopolitical
relationships can be problematic.
Renewable energy is a compelling approach, both philosophically and in engineering terms.
Many renewable energy sources are limited in their ability to affordably provide the base load power
required for global industrial development and prosperity, because of inherent land and water requirements.
Based on their Concept Definition Study, space solar power concepts may be ready to reenter the
discussion.
Solar power satellites should no longer be envisioned as requiring unimaginably large initial investments in
fixed infrastructure before the emplacement of productive power plants can begin.
Space solar power systems appear to possess many significant environmental advantages when compared to
alternative approaches.
The economic viability of space solar power systems depends on many factors and the successful
development of various new technologies (not least of which is the availability of much lower cost access to
space than has been available), however, the same can be said of many other advanced power technologies
options.
Space solar power may well emerge as a serious candidate among the options for meeting the energy
demands of the 21st century. Space Solar Power Satellite Technology Development at the Glenn Research
CenterAn Overview] James E. Dudenhoefer and Patrick J. George, NASA Glenn Research Center,
Cleveland, Ohio.
Launch costs in the range of $100$200 per kilogram of payload to low Earth orbit are needed if SPS are
to be economically viable.
[6]
Advantages
The SBSP concept is attractive because space has several major advantages over the Earth's surface for the
collection of solar power.
There is no air in space, so the collecting surfaces could receive much more intense sunlight, unobstructed by
the filtering effects of atmospheric gasses, cloud cover, and other weather events. Consequently, collection in
orbit is approximately 144% of the maximum attainable on Earth's surface.
[citation needed]
A satellite could be illuminated over 99% of the time, and be in Earth's shadow on only 75 minutes per night
at the spring and fall equinoxes.
[28]
Orbiting satellites can be exposed to a consistently high degree of solar
radiation, generally for 24 hours per day, whereas surface panels can collect for 12 hours per day at
most.
[29]
Relatively quick redirecting of power directly to areas that need it most. A collecting satellite could possibly
direct power on demand to different surface locations based on geographical baseload or peak load power
needs.
Elimination of plant and wildlife interference.
Artist's concept of a solar disk on top
of a LEO to GEO electrically powered
space tug.
Disadvantages
The SBSP concept also has a number of problems.
The large cost of launching a satellite into space
Inaccessibility: Maintenance of an earth-based solar panel is relatively simple, but performing maintenance on
a solar panel in space incurs the extra cost of transporting a team of astronauts into space.
The space environment is hostile; panels suffer about 8 times the degradation they would on Earth.
[30]
Space debris is a major hazard to large objects in space, and all large structures such as SBSP systems have
been mentioned as potential sources of orbital debris.
[31]
The broadcast frequency of the microwave downlink (if used) would require isolating the SBSP systems
away from other satellites. GEO space is already well used and it is considered unlikely the ITU would allow
an SPS to be launched.
[32]
The large size and corresponding cost of the receiving station on the ground.
Design
Space-based solar power essentially consists of three elements:
a means of collecting solar power in space, for example via solar
concentrators, solar cells or a heat engine
a means of transmitting power to earth, for example via microwave
or laser
a means of receiving power on earth, for example via a microwave
antenna (rectenna)
The space-based portion will not need to support itself against gravity
(other than relatively weak tidal stresses). It needs no protection from
terrestrial wind or weather, but will have to cope with space hazards such
as micrometeors and solar flares.
Two basic methods of conversion have been studied: photovoltaic (PV) and solar dynamic (SD). Photovoltaic
conversion uses semiconductor cells to directly convert photons into electrical power. Solar dynamic uses mirrors
to concentrate light on a boiler. The use of solar dynamic could reduce mass per watt. Most analyses of SBSP have
focused on photovoltaic conversion (commonly known as solar cells).
Wireless power transmission was proposed early on as a means to transfer energy from collection to the Earth's
surface, using either microwave or laser radiation at a variety of frequencies.
Solar concentrator
Microwave power transmission
William C. Brown demonstrated in 1964, during Walter Cronkite's CBS News program, a microwave-powered
model helicopter that received all the power it needed for flight from a microwave beam. Between 1969 and 1975,
Bill Brown was technical director of a JPL Raytheon program that beamed 30 kW of power over a distance of 1-
Comparison of laser and microwave
power transmission. NASA diagram
mile (1.6 km) at 84% efficiency.
[33]
Microwave power transmission of tens of kilowatts has been well proven by existing tests at Goldstone in California
(1975)
[33][34][35]
and Grand Bassin on Reunion Island (1997).
[36]
More recently, microwave power transmission has been demonstrated, in
conjunction with solar energy capture, between a mountain top in Maui
and the main island of Hawaii (92 miles away), by a team under John C.
Mankins.
[37][38]
Technological challenges in terms of array layout, single
radiation element design, and overall efficiency, as well as the associated
theoretical limits are presently a subject of research, as it is demonstrated
by the Special Session on "Analysis of Electromagnetic Wireless Systems
for Solar Power Transmission" to be held in the 2010 IEEE Symposium
on Antennas and Propagation.
[39]
In 2013, a useful overview was published, covering technologies and
issues associated with microwave power transmission from space to
ground. It includes an introduction to SPS, current research and future
prospects.
[40]
Laser power beaming
Laser power beaming was envisioned by some at NASA as a stepping
stone to further industrialization of space. In the 1980s, researchers at NASA worked on the potential use of lasers
for space-to-space power beaming, focusing primarily on the development of a solar-powered laser. In 1989 it
was suggested that power could also be usefully beamed by laser from Earth to space. In 1991 the SELENE
project (SpacE Laser ENErgy) had begun, which included the study of laser power beaming for supplying power
to a lunar base. The SELENE program was a two-year research effort, but the cost of taking the concept to
operational status was too high, and the official project ended in 1993 before reaching a space-based
demonstration.
[41]
In 1988 the use of an Earth-based laser to power an electric thruster for space propulsion was proposed by Grant
Logan, with technical details worked out in 1989. He proposed using diamond solar cells operating at 600 degrees
to convert ultraviolet laser light.
Orbital location
The main advantage of locating a space power station in geostationary orbit is that the antenna geometry stays
constant, and so keeping the antennas lined up is simpler. Another advantage is that nearly continuous power
transmission is immediately available as soon as the first space power station is placed in orbit; other space-based
power stations have much longer start-up times before they are producing nearly continuous power.
A collection of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) space power stations has been proposed as a precursor to GEO
(Geostationary Orbit) space-based solar power.
[42]
Earth-based receiver
The Earth-based rectenna would likely consist of many short dipole antennas connected via diodes. Microwave
broadcasts from the satellite would be received in the dipoles with about 85% efficiency.
[43]
With a conventional
microwave antenna, the reception efficiency is better, but its cost and complexity are also considerably greater.
Rectennas would likely be several kilometers across.
In space applications
A laser SBSP could also power a base or vehicles on the surface of the Moon or Mars, saving on mass costs to
land the power source. A spacecraft or another satellite could also be powered by the same means.
[44][45]
Dealing with launch costs
One problem for the SBSP concept is the cost of space launches and the amount of material that would need to be
launched.
Reusable launch systems are predicted to provide lower launch costs to low Earth orbit (LEO).
[46][47]
As of
November 2013, one company, SpaceX, is two years along on a privately funded multi-year development program
for a reusable rocket launching system with the stated intention to commercialize "fully and rapidly reusable" launch
technology.
[48][49][50]
SpaceX has completed eight test flights of their low-altitude booster return prototype,
Grasshopper,
[51]
and one test flight of a high-altitude/high-velocity booster return test vehicle, with a second
booster return test flight planned for early 2014.
[52][53]
Much of the material launched need not be delivered to its eventual orbit immediately, which raises the possibility
that high efficiency (but slower) engines could move SPS material from LEO to GEO at an acceptable cost.
Examples include ion thrusters or nuclear propulsion.
Power beaming from geostationary orbit by microwaves carries the difficulty that the required 'optical aperture'
sizes are very large. For example, the 1978 NASA SPS study required a 1-km diameter transmitting antenna, and
a 10 km diameter receiving rectenna, for a microwave beam at 2.45 GHz. These sizes can be somewhat decreased
by using shorter wavelengths, although they have increased atmospheric absorption and even potential beam
blockage by rain or water droplets. Because of the thinned array curse, it is not possible to make a narrower beam
by combining the beams of several smaller satellites. The large size of the transmitting and receiving antennas means
that the minimum practical power level for an SPS will necessarily be high; small SPS systems will be possible, but
uneconomic.
To give an idea of the scale of the problem, assuming a solar panel mass of 20 kg per kilowatt (without considering
the mass of the supporting structure, antenna, or any significant mass reduction of any focusing mirrors) a 4 GW
power station would weigh about 80,000 metric tons, all of which would, in current circumstances, be launched
from the Earth. Very lightweight designs could likely achieve 1 kg/kW,
[54]
meaning 4,000 metric tons for the solar
panels for the same 4 GW capacity station. This would be the equivalent of between 40 and 150 heavy-lift launch
vehicle (HLLV) launches to send the material to low earth orbit, where it would likely be converted into
subassembly solar arrays, which then could use high-efficiency ion-engine style rockets to (slowly) reach GEO
(Geostationary orbit). With an estimated serial launch cost for shuttle-based HLLVs of $500 million to $800
million, and launch costs for alternative HLLVs at $78 million, total launch costs would range between $11 billion
(low cost HLLV, low weight panels) and $320 billion ('expensive' HLLV, heavier panels).
[citation needed]
To these
costs must be added the environmental impact of heavy space launch emissions, if such costs are to be used in
comparison to earth-based energy production. For comparison, the direct cost of a new coal
[55]
or nuclear power
plant ranges from $3 billion to $6 billion per GW (not including the full cost to the environment from CO2 emissions
or storage of spent nuclear fuel, respectively); another example is the Apollo missions to the Moon cost a grand
total of $24 billion (1970s' dollars), taking inflation into account, would cost $140 billion today, more expensive
than the construction of the International Space Station.
However in 2013 based on Recent innovations, Electric Space: Space-Based Solar Power Technologies &
Applications
[56]
suggested a new way to reduce costs by replacing smaller satellites and in lower Orbits.
Non-conventional launch methods
Main articles: Non-rocket spacelaunch and Skyhook (structure)
SBSP costs could be significantly reduced if a means of putting the necessary materials into orbit were developed
that did not rely on expendable rockets. One idea for this is the non-rotating Skyhook, a type of space elevator that
can be affordable built with existing materials and technology. Some more speculative possibilities include ground
launch systems such as Star Tram, mass drivers or launch loops, or the Earth surface to geostationary orbit Space
Elevator. However, these ideas require technologies that have yet to be developed.
Building from space
From lunar materials launched in orbit
Gerard O'Neill, noting the problem of high launch costs in the early 1970s, proposed building the SPS's in orbit
with materials from the Moon.
[57]
Launch costs from the Moon are potentially much lower than from Earth, due to
the lower gravity. This 1970s proposal assumed the then-advertised future launch costing of NASA's space shuttle.
This approach would require substantial up front capital investment to establish mass drivers on the Moon.
[58]
Nevertheless, on 30 April 1979, the Final Report ("Lunar Resources Utilization for Space Construction") by
General Dynamics' Convair Division, under NASA contract NAS9-15560, concluded that use of lunar resources
would be cheaper than Earth-based materials for a system of as few as thirty Solar Power Satellites of 10GW
capacity each.
[59]
In 1980, when it became obvious NASA's launch cost estimates for the space shuttle were grossly optimistic,
O'Neill et al. published another route to manufacturing using lunar materials with much lower startup costs.
[60]
This
1980s SPS concept relied less on human presence in space and more on partially self-replicating systems on the
lunar surface under remote control of workers stationed on Earth. The high net energy gain of this proposal derives
from the Moon's much shallower gravitational well.
Having a relatively cheap per pound source of raw materials from space would lessen the concern for low mass
designs and result in a different sort of SPS being built. The low cost per pound of lunar materials in O'Neill's vision
would be supported by using lunar material to manufacture more facilities in orbit than just solar power satellites.
Advanced techniques for launching from the Moon may reduce the cost of building a solar power satellite from
lunar materials. Some proposed techniques include the lunar mass driver and the lunar space elevator, first
described by Jerome Pearson.
[61]
It would require establishing silicon mining and solar cell manufacturing facilities
on the Moon.
[citation needed]
On the Moon
David Criswell suggests the Moon is the optimum location for solar power stations, and promotes lunar solar
power.
[62][63]
The main advantage he envisions is construction largely from locally available lunar materials, using
in-situ resource utilization, with a teleoperated mobile factory and crane to assemble the microwave reflectors, and
rovers to assemble and pave solar cells,
[64]
which would significantly reduce launch costs compared to SBSP
designs. Power relay satellites orbiting around earth and the Moon reflecting the microwave beam are also part of
the project. A demo project of 1 GW starts at $50 billion.
[65]
The Shimizu Corporation use combination of lasers
and microwave for the lunar ring concept, along with power relay satellites.
[66][67]
From an asteroid
Asteroid mining has also been seriously considered. A NASA design study
[68]
evaluated a 10,000 ton mining
vehicle (to be assembled in orbit) that would return a 500,000 ton asteroid fragment to geostationary orbit. Only
about 3,000 tons of the mining ship would be traditional aerospace-grade payload. The rest would be reaction
mass for the mass-driver engine, which could be arranged to be the spent rocket stages used to launch the payload.
Assuming that 100% of the returned asteroid was useful, and that the asteroid miner itself couldn't be reused, that
represents nearly a 95% reduction in launch costs. However, the true merits of such a method would depend on a
thorough mineral survey of the candidate asteroids; thus far, we have only estimates of their composition.
[69]
One
proposal is to capture the asteroid Apophis into earth orbit and convert it into 150 solar power satellites of 5 GW
each.
[70]
Gallery
A Lunar base with a
mass driver (the long
structure that goes
toward the horizon).
NASA conceptual
illustration

An artist's conception of
a "self-growing" robotic
lunar factory.

Microwave reflectors on
the moon and
teleoperated robotic
paving rover and crane.

Crawler traverses
Lunar surface,
smoothing, melting a top
layer of regolith, then
depositing elements of
silicon PV cells directly
on surface

Sketch of the Lunar
Crawler to be used for
fabrication of lunar solar
cells on the surface of
the Moon.

Shown here is an array
of solar collectors that
convert power into
microwave beams
directed toward Earth.

A solar power satellite
built from a mined
asteroid.
Counter arguments
Safety
The use of microwave transmission of power has been the most controversial issue in considering any SPS design.
At the Earth's surface, a suggested microwave beam would have a maximum intensity at its center, of 23 mW/cm
2
(less than 1/4 the solar irradiation constant), and an intensity of less than 1 mW/cm
2
outside of the rectenna
fenceline (the receiver's perimeter).
[71]
These compare with current United States Occupational Safety and Health
Act (OSHA) workplace exposure limits for microwaves, which are 10 mW/cm
2
,
[72]
- the limit itself being
expressed in voluntary terms and ruled unenforceable for Federal OSHA enforcement purposes.
[citation needed]
A
beam of this intensity is therefore at its center, of a similar magnitude to current safe workplace levels, even for long
term or indefinite exposure. Outside the receiver, it is far less than the OSHA long-term levels
[73]
Over 95% of the
beam energy will fall on the rectenna. The remaining microwave energy will be absorbed and dispersed well within
standards currently imposed upon microwave emissions around the world.
[74]
It is important for system efficiency
that as much of the microwave radiation as possible be focused on the rectenna. Outside of the rectenna,
microwave intensities rapidly decrease, so nearby towns or other human activity should be completely
unaffected.
[75]
Exposure to the beam is able to be minimized in other ways. On the ground, physical access is controllable (e.g.,
via fencing), and typical aircraft flying through the beam provide passengers with a protective metal shell (i.e., a
Faraday Cage), which will intercept the microwaves. Other aircraft (balloons, ultralight, etc.) can avoid exposure by
observing airflight control spaces, as is currently done for military and other controlled airspace.
The microwave beam intensity at ground level in the center of the beam would be designed and physically built into
the system; simply, the transmitter would be too far away and too small to be able to increase the intensity to unsafe
levels, even in principle.
In addition, a design constraint is that the microwave beam must not be so intense as to injure wildlife, particularly
birds. Experiments with deliberate microwave irradiation at reasonable levels have failed to show negative effects
even over multiple generations.
[76]
Some have suggested locating rectennas offshore,
[77][78]
but this presents serious problems, including corrosion,
mechanical stresses, and biological contamination.
A commonly proposed approach to ensuring fail-safe beam targeting is to use a retrodirective phased array
antenna/rectenna. A "pilot" microwave beam emitted from the center of the rectenna on the ground establishes a
phase front at the transmitting antenna. There, circuits in each of the antenna's subarrays compare the pilot beam's
phase front with an internal clock phase to control the phase of the outgoing signal. This forces the transmitted beam
to be centered precisely on the rectenna and to have a high degree of phase uniformity; if the pilot beam is lost for
any reason (if the transmitting antenna is turned away from the rectenna, for example) the phase control value fails
and the microwave power beam is automatically defocused.
[75]
Such a system would be physically incapable of
focusing its power beam anywhere that did not have a pilot beam transmitter.
The long-term effects of beaming power through the ionosphere in the form of microwaves has yet to be studied,
but nothing has been suggested which might lead to any significant effect.
Timeline
1941: Isaac Asimov published the science fiction short story "Reason," in which a space station transmits
energy collected from the sun to various planets using microwave beams.
1968: Dr. Peter Glaser introduces the concept of a "solar power satellite" system with square miles of solar
collectors in high geosynchronous orbit for collection and conversion of sun's energy into a microwave beam
to transmit usable energy to large receiving antennas (rectennas) on Earth for distribution.
1973: Dr. Peter Glaser is granted United States patent number 3,781,647 for his method of transmitting
power over long distances using microwaves from a large (one square kilometer) antenna on the satellite to a
much larger one on the ground, now known as a rectenna.
[2]
197881: The United States Department of Energy and NASA examine the solar power satellite (SPS)
concept extensively, publishing design and feasibility studies.
1982: Boeing proposal
[79]
1987: Stationary High Altitude Relay Platform a Canadian experiment
1994: The United States Air Force conducts the Advanced Photovoltaic Experiment using a satellite
launched into low Earth orbit by a Pegasus rocket.
199597: NASA conducts a Fresh Look study of space solar power (SSP) concepts and technologies.
1998: The Space Solar Power Concept Definition Study (CDS) identifies credible, commercially viable SSP
concepts, while pointing out technical and programmatic risks.
1998: Japan's space agency begins developing a Space Solar Power System (SSPS), a program that
continues to the present day.
1999: NASA's Space Solar Power Exploratory Research and Technology program (SERT, see below)
begins.
2000: John Mankins of NASA testifies in the U.S. House of Representatives, saying "Large-scale SSP is a
very complex integrated system of systems that requires numerous significant advances in current technology
and capabilities. A technology roadmap has been developed that lays out potential paths for achieving all
needed advances albeit over several decades.
[6]
2001: Dr. Neville Marzwell of NASA states, "We now have the technology to convert the sun's energy at
the rate of 42 to 56 percent... We have made tremendous progress. ...If you can concentrate the sun's rays
through the use of large mirrors or lenses you get more for your money because most of the cost is in the PV
arrays... There is a risk element but you can reduce it... You can put these small receivers in the desert or in
the mountains away from populated areas. ...We believe that in 15 to 25 years we can lower that cost to 7
to 10 cents per kilowatt hour. ...We offer an advantage. You don't need cables, pipes, gas or copper wires.
We can send it to you like a cell phone callwhere you want it and when you want it, in real time."
[80]
2001: NASDA (One of Japan's national space agencies before it became part of JAXA) announces plans to
perform additional research and prototyping by launching an experimental satellite with 10 kilowatts and 1
megawatt of power.
[81][82]
2003: ESA studies
[83]
2007: The US Pentagon's National Security Space Office (NSSO) issues a report
[84]
on October 10, 2007
stating they intend to collect solar energy from space for use on Earth to help the United States' ongoing
relationship with the Middle East and the battle for oil. A demo plant could cost $ 10 billion, produce 10
megawatts, and become operational in 10 years.
[85]
The International Space Station may be the first test
ground for this new idea, even though it is in a low-earth orbit.
2007: In May 2007 a workshop is held at the US Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to review
the current state of the SBSP market and technology.
[86]
2009: Several companies announce future SBSP partnerships and commitments, including Pacific Gas and
Electric (PG&E) & Solaren,
[87][88][89]
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. & IHI Corporation,
[90][91]
Space Energy,
Inc.,
[92]
and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
[93]
2010: Europe's EADS Astrium announces SBSP plans.
[94][95][96][97]
2010: Professors Andrea Massa and Giorgio Franceschetti announce a special session on the "Analysis of
Electromagnetic Wireless Systems for Solar Power Transmission" at the 2010 Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation.
[98]
2010: The Indian Space Research Organisation and US' National Space Society launched a joint forum to
enhance partnership in harnessing solar energy through space-based solar collectors. Called the Kalam-NSS
Initiative after the former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the forum will lay the groundwork for the
space-based solar power program which could see other countries joining in as well.
[99]
2010: The National Forensics League announces the resolution for the 20112012 debate season to be
substantial space exploration and/or development. Space Based Solar Power becomes one of the most
popular affirmative arguments.
2012: China proposed joint development between India and China towards developing a solar power
satellite, during a visit by former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
[100]
In fiction
Space stations transmitting solar power have appeared in science-fiction works like Isaac Asimov's Reason
(1941), that centers around the troubles caused by the robots operating the station. Asimov's short story "The Last
Question" also features the use of SBSP to provide limitless energy for use on Earth.
In the novel "Skyfall" (1976) by Harry Harrison an attempt to launch the core of powersat from Cape Canaveral
ends in disaster when the launch vehicle fails trapping the payload in a decaying orbit.
Several Simcity games have featured space-microwave power plants as buildable options for municipal energy,
along with disaster scenarios where the beam strays off the collector.
In the manga and anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00, an orbital ring containing multiple solar collectors and
microwave transmitters, along with power stations and space elevators for carrying power back down to Earth's
surface, are the primary source of electricity for the Earth in the 22nd century.
See also
Attitude control
Future energy development
Orbital station-keeping in GEO
Photovoltaics
Project Earth
Satellite
Solar power
Solar panels on spacecraft
Space Fountain
Friis transmission equation equation for beamed wireless power efficiency
References
1. ^ Glaser, Peter E. (22 November 1968). "Power from the Sun: Its Future"
(http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/162/3856/857.pdf) (PDF). Science Magazine 162 (3856): 857861.
2. ^
a

b
Glaser, Peter E. (December 25, 1973). "Method And Apparatus For Converting Solar Radiation To Electrical
Power" (http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?
Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1
=3,781,647.PN.&OS=PN/3,781,647&RS=PN/3,781,647). United States Patent 3,781,647.
3. ^ Glaser, P. E., Maynard, O. E., Mackovciak, J., and Ralph, E. L, Arthur D. Little, Inc., "Feasibility study of a
satellite solar power station", NASA CR-2357, NTIS N74-17784, February 1974
4. ^ Satellite Power System Concept Development and Evaluation Program July 1977 - August 1980. DOE/ET-0034,
February 1978. 62 pages (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-ProgramPlanJuly1977-
August1980.pdf)
5. ^ Satellite Power System Concept Development and Evaluation Program Reference System Report. DOE/ER-0023,
October 1978. 322 (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-ReferenceSystemReport.pdf)
6. ^
a

b

c
Statement of John C. Mankins (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/2000-testimony-
JohnMankins.htm) U.S. House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Committee on Science, Sep 7, 2000
7. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) Resource Requirements (Critical Materials, Energy, and Land). HCP/R-4024-02,
October 1978. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-ResourceRequirements.pdf)
8. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) Financial/Management Scenarios. Prepared by J. Peter Vajk. HCP/R-4024-03,
October 1978. 69 pages (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-
FinancialManagementScenarios(Vajk).pdf)
9. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) Financial/Management Scenarios. Prepared by Herbert E. Kierulff. HCP/R-4024-
13, October 1978. 66 pages. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-
FinancialManagementScenarios(Kierolff).pdf)
10. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) Public Acceptance. HCP/R-4024-04, October 1978. 85 pages.
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-PublicAcceptance.pdf)
11. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) State and Local Regulations as Applied to Satellite Power System Microwave
Receiving Antenna Facilities. HCP/R-4024-05, October 1978. 92 pages.
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-StateAndLocalRegulations.pdf)
12. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) Student Participation. HCP/R-4024-06, October 1978. 97 pages.
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-StudentParticipation.pdf)
13. ^ Potential of Laser for SPS Power Transmission. HCP/R-4024-07, October 1978. 112 pages.
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-PotentialOfLaserForSPSPowerTransmission.pdf)
14. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) International Agreements. Prepared by Carl Q. Christol. HCP-R-4024-08, October
1978. 283 pages. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-InternationalAgreements(Christol).pdf)
15. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) International Agreements. Prepared by Stephen Grove. HCP/R-4024-12, October
1978. 86 pages. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-InternationalAgreements(Grove).pdf)
16. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) Centralization/Decentralization. HCP/R-4024-09, October 1978. 67 pages.
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-CentralizationDecentralization.pdf)
17. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) Mapping of Exclusion Areas For Rectenna Sites. HCP-R-4024-10, October 1978.
117 pages. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-
MappingOfExclusionAreasForRectennaSites.pdf)
18. ^ Economic and Demographic Issues Related to Deployment of the Satellite Power System (SPS). ANL/EES-TM-
23, October 1978. 71 pages. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1978DOESPS-
EconomicAndDemographicIssues.pdf)
19. ^ Some Questions and Answers About the Satellite Power System (SPS). DOE/ER-0049/1, January 1980. 47
pages. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1980DOESPS-QuestionsAndAnswersAboutSPS.pdf)
20. ^ Satellite Power Systems (SPS) Laser Studies: Meteorological Effects on Laser Beam Propagation and Direct
Solar Pumped Lasers for the SPS. NASA Contractor Report 3347, November 1980. 143 pages.
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1980NASASPS-LaserStudies-MeteorologicalEffects.pdf)
21. ^ Satellite Power System (SPS) Public Outreach Experiment. DOE/ER-10041-T11, December 1980. 67 pages.
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1980DOESPS-PublicOutreachExperiment.pdf)
22. ^ http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1981NASASPS-PowerTransmissionAndReception.pdf "Satellite Power
System Concept Development and Evaluation Program: Power Transmission and Reception Technical Summary
and Assessment" NASA Reference Publication 1076, July 1981. 281 pages.
23. ^ Satellite Power System Concept Development and Evaluation Program: Space Transportation. NASA Technical
Memorandum 58238, November 1981. 260 pages. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1981NASASPS-
SpaceTransportation.pdf)
24. ^ Solar Power Satellites. Office of Technology Assessment, August 1981. 297 pages.
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1981-OTA-SolarPowerSatellites.pdf)
25. ^ A Fresh Look at Space Solar Power: New Architectures, Concepts, and Technologies. John C. Mankins.
International Astronautical Federation IAF-97-R.2.03. 12 pages. (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1997-
Mankins-FreshLookAtSpaceSolarPower.pdf)
26. ^ "Dr. Pete Worden on thespaceshow" (http://www.thespaceshow.com/detail.asp?q=1127). thespaceshow.com.
23 March 2009.
27. ^ [1] (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-02/india/34877401_1_space-solar-power-space-
collaboration-v-ponraj)
28. ^ Solar Power Satellites. Washington, D.C.: Congress of the U.S., Office of Technology Assessment. August
1981. p. 66. LCCN 81600129.
29. ^ Collection at Earth's poles can take place for 24 hours per day, but not consistently, and only for 6 months of the
year.
30. ^ In space, panels suffer rapid erosion due to high energy particles,"Solar Panel Degradation"
(http://www.solarstorms.org/Svulnerability.html) whereas on Earth, commercial panels degrade at a rate around
0.25% a year."Testing a Thirty-Year-Old Photovoltaic Module"
(http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/testing-thirty-year-old-photovoltaic-module)
31. ^ "Some of the most environmentally dangerous activities in space include [...] large structures such as those
considered in the late-1970s for building solar power stations in Earth orbit."The Kessler Syndrome (As Discussed
by Donald J. Kessler)". Retrieved 2010-05-26. (http://webpages.charter.net/dkessler/files/KesSym.html)
32. ^ Hiroshi Matsumoto, "Space Solar Power Satellite/Station and the Politics"
(http://www.ieice.org/proceedings/EMC09/pdf/21Q1-4.pdf), EMC09/Kyoto, 2009
33. ^
a

b
Brown., W. C. (September 1984). "The History of Power Transmission by Radio Waves"
(http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=1132833). IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and
Techniques 32 (Volume: 32, Issue: 9 On page(s): 1230- 1242 + ISSN: 0018-9480): 1230.
Bibcode:1984ITMTT..32.1230B (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1984ITMTT..32.1230B).
doi:10.1109/TMTT.1984.1132833 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1109%2FTMTT.1984.1132833).
34. ^ NASA Video, date/author unknown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy1vqRT-vqI)
35. ^ Wireless Power Transmission for Solar Power Satellite (SPS) (Second Draft by N. Shinohara), Space Solar
Power Workshop, Georgia Institute of Technology (http://www.sspi.gatech.edu/wptshinohara.pdf)
36. ^ POINT-TO-POINT WIRELESS POWER TRANSPORTATION IN REUNION ISLAND (http://www2.univ-
reunion.fr/~lcks/Old_Version/PubIAF97.htm) 48th International Astronautical Congress, Turin, Italy, 610
October 1997 IAF-97-R.4.08 J. D. Lan Sun Luk, A. Celeste, P. Romanacce, L. Chane Kuang Sang, J. C.
Gatina University of La Runion Faculty of Science and Technology.
37. ^ POINT-TO-POINT WIRELESS POWER TRANSPORTATION IN HAWAII
(http://www.nss.org/news/releases/pc20080912.html).
38. ^ Researchers Beam Space Solar Power in Hawaii (http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/09/visionary-
beams/) by Loretta Hidalgo, September 12, 2008
39. ^ 2010 IEEE Symposium on Antennas and Propagation - Special Session List (http://www.apsursi2010.org/?
m=page&id=47)
40. ^ Sasaki, S.; Tanaka, K.; Maki, K. (19 March 2013). "Microwave Power Transmission Technologies for Solar
Power Satellites" (http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?
tp=&arnumber=6482164&contentType=Early+Access+Articles&sortType%3Dasc_p_Sequence%26filter%3DAN
D%28p_IS_Number%3A4357935%29). Proceedings of the IEEE PP (99): 110.
doi:10.1109/JPROC.2013.2246851 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1109%2FJPROC.2013.2246851). ISSN 0018-9219
(//www.worldcat.org/issn/0018-9219).
41. ^ Glenn Involvement with Laser Power Beaming-- Overview
(http://powerweb.grc.nasa.gov/pvsee/programs/pvlaser_overview.html) NASA Glenn Research Center
42. ^ Komerath, N.M; Boechler, N. (October 2006). The Space Power Grid. Valencia, Spain: 57th International
Astronautical Federation Congress. IAC-C3.4.06.
43. ^ Figure 3.8.2.2-6. Orbital Options for Solar Power Satellite
(http://www.hq.nasa.gov/webaccess/CommSpaceTrans/SpaceCommTransSec38/CommSpacTransSec38.html)
44. ^ "Second Beamed Space-Power Workshop" (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/1989-
SecondBeamedSpacePowerWorkshop.pdf). Nasa. 1989. pp. near page 290.
45. ^ Henry W. Brandhorst, Jr. (October 27, 2010). "Options for Lunar Power Beaming"
(http://spirit.as.utexas.edu/~fiso/telecon/Brandhorst_10-27-10/Brandhorst_10-27-10.pdf). Brandhorst. FISO group.
46. ^ Dr. Lee Valentine in conversation on The Space Show aired on the 6th of October 2010 said there is a potential
for a hundred times cost reduction in the cost of Earth to orbit transportation by using reusable vehicles. The
Space Show (http://www.thespaceshow.com./detail.asp?q=1438)
47. ^ http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/downloads/ssp_skylon_ver2.pdf
48. ^ Simberg, Rand (2012-02-08). "Elon Musk on SpaceXs Reusable Rocket Plans"
(http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/space/rockets/elon-musk-on-spacexs-reusable-rocket-plans-
6653023). Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
49. ^ http://www.spacex.com/assets/video/spacex-rtls-green.mp4
50. ^ National Press Club: The Future of Human Spaceflight (http://www.c-span.org/Events/National-Press-Club-The-
Future-of-Human-Spaceflight/10737424486/), cspan, 29 Sep 2011.
51. ^ Klotz, Irene (2013-10-17). "SpaceX Retires Grasshopper, New Test Rig To Fly in December"
(http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37740spacex-retires-grasshopper-new-test-rig-to-fly-in-
december). Space News. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
52. ^ Klotz, Irene (2013-09-06). "Musk Says SpaceX Being "Extremely Paranoid" as It Readies for Falcon 9s
California Debut" (http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37094musk-says-spacex-being-
%E2%80%9Cextremely-paranoid%E2%80%9D-as-it-readies-for-falcon-9%E2%80%99s). Space News. Retrieved
2013-09-13.
53. ^ "12 interesting things we learned from Tesla's Elon Musk this week"
(http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/25/things-learned-tesla-elon-musk-electric-car). The
Guardian. 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2013-10-26. "we managed to re-enter the atmosphere, not break up like we
normally do, and get all way down to sea level."
54. ^ "Case For Space Based Solar Power Development" (http://www.you.com.au/news/2005.htm). August 2003.
Retrieved 2006-03-14.
55. ^ [2] (http://www.netl.doe.gov/technologies/coalpower/cctc/ccpi/pubs/2006_program_update.pdf)
56. ^ Jones, D. R., Baghchehsara, A. , "Electric Space: Space-Based Solar Power Technologies & Applications",
November 2013 | http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Space-Space-based-Technologies-
Applications/dp/1494257807/
57. ^ O'Neill, Gerard K., "The High Frontier, Human Colonies in Space", ISBN 0-688-03133-1, P.57
58. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgrdAUFFMrA
59. ^ General Dynamics Convair Division (1979). Lunar Resources Utilization for Space Construction
(http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19830077470_1983077470.pdf) (PDF). GDC-ASP79-001.
60. ^ O'Neill, Gerard K.; Driggers, G.; and O'Leary, B.: New Routes to Manufacturing in Space. Astronautics and
Aeronautics, vol. 18, October 1980, pp. 46-51.Several scenarios for the buildup of industry in space are described.
One scenario involves a manufacturing facility, manned by a crew of three, entirely on the lunar surface. Another
scenario involves a fully automated manufacturing facility, remotely supervised from the earth, with provision for
occasional visits by repair crews. A third case involves a manned facility on the Moon for operating a mass-driver
launcher to transport lunar materials to a collection point in space and for replicating mass-drivers.
61. ^ Pearson, Jerome; Eugene Levin, John Oldson and Harry Wykes (2005). Lunar Space Elevators for Cislunar
Space Development Phase I Final Technical Report (PDF).
62. ^ Institute for Space Systems Operations (ISSO) (http://www.uh.edu/news-events/tip-sheets/spaceexploration-
tips.php)
63. ^ Criswell - Publications and Abstracts (http://www.isso.uh.edu/criswell/papers.html)
64. ^ http://www.cam.uh.edu/SpaRC/ISRU%202p%20v1%20022007.pdf
65. ^ http://www.moonbase-italia.org/PAPERS/D1S2-MB%20Assessment/D2S2-06EnergySupport/D2S2-
06EnergySupport.Criswell.pdf
66. ^ "The Luna Ring concept" (http://lunarscience.arc.nasa.gov/articles/the-luna-ring-concept).
67. ^ "Lunar Solar Power Generation, "The LUNA RING", Concept and Technology" (http://justsap.org/wp-
content/uploads/28_Shigeru-Aoki_Luna_Ring.pdf). Japan-U.S. Science, Technology & Space Applications
Program. 2009.
68. ^ Space Resources, NASA SP-509, Vol 1.
69. ^ "Retrieval of Asteroidal Materials" (http://settlement.arc.nasa.gov/spaceres/IV-2.html).
70. ^ Stephen D. Covey (May 2011). "Technologies for Asteroid Capture into Earth Orbit"
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/asteroids/capture.html).
71. ^ Hanley., G.M.. . "Satellite Concept Power Systems (SPS) Definition Study"
(http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19800022396_1980022396.pdf) (PDF). NASA CR 3317, Sept
1980.
72. ^ Radiofrequency and Microwave Radiation Standards
(http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/standards.html) interpretation of General Industry (29 CFR
1910) 1910 Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control 1910.97, Non-ionizing radiation.
73. ^ 2081 A Hopeful View of the Human Future, by Gerard K. O'Neill, ISBN 0-671-24257-1, P. 182-183
74. ^ IEEE, 01149129.pdf
75. ^
a

b
IEEE Article No: 602864, Automatic Beam Steered Antenna Receiver Microwave
76. ^ Environmental Effects - the SPS Microwave Beam (http://permanent.com/p-sps-bm.htm)
77. ^ "Solar power satellite offshore rectenna study", Final Report Rice Univ., Houston, TX., 11/1980, Abstract:
http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1980ruht.reptT.....
78. ^ Freeman, et al., J. W.; . "Offshore rectenna feasibility". In NASA, Washington the Final Proc. of the Solar
Power Satellite Program Rev. p 348-351 (SEE N82-22676 13-44). Bibcode:1980spsp.nasa..348F
(http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1980spsp.nasa..348F).
79. ^ "solar power satellite" (http://www.boeing.com/history/boeing/solarsat.html).
80. ^ Beam it Down, Scotty! (http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast23mar_1.htm) Mar, 2001 from
Science@NASA (http://science.nasa.gov/)
81. ^ Report: Japan Developing Satellite That Would Beam Back Solar Power
(http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/nasda_solar_sats_011029.html)
82. ^ Presentation of relevant technical background with diagrams:
http://www.spacefuture.com/archive/conceptual_study_of_a_solar_power_satellite_sps_2000.shtml
83. ^ "History of research on SPS" (http://www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/nrg/op/SPS/History.htm).
84. ^ National Security Space Office Interim Assessment Phase 0 Architecture Feasibility Study, October 10, 2007
(http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/final-sbsp-interim-assessment-release-01.pdf)
85. ^ "Making the case, again, for space-based solar power" (http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1978/1).
thespacereview.com. November 28, 2011.
86. ^ Terrestrial Energy Generation Based on Space Solar Power: A Feasible Concept or Fantasy?
(http://web.mit.edu/space_solar_power/) Date: May 1416, 2007; Location: MIT, Cambridge MA
87. ^ Sweet, Cassandra (April 13, 2009). "UPDATE: PG&E Looks To Outer Space For Solar Power (broken link)"
(http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090413-710658.html). The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2009-04-14.
88. ^ Marshall, Jonathan (April 13, 2009). "Space Solar Power: The Next Frontier?"
(http://www.next100.com/2009/04/space-solar-power-the-next-fro.php). Next 100. Pacific Gas and Electric
(PG&E). Retrieved 2009-04-14.
89. ^ "Utility to buy orbit-generated electricity from Solaren in 2016, at no risk"
(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30198977/). MSNBC. April 13, 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-15.
90. ^ "Mitsubishi, IHI to Join $21 Bln Space Solar Project (Update1)" (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?
pid=newsarchive&sid=aJ529lsdk9HI). Bloomberg. August 31, 2009.
91. ^ http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/09/japan-space-based-solar-power-satellite-21-billions.php
92. ^ http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/02/20/0149254
93. ^ Japan to Beam Solar Power from Space on Lasers (http://green.foxnews.com/2009/11/09/japan-to-beam-solar-
power-from-space-on-lasers/), Fox News, November 9, 2009
94. ^ European space company wants solar power plant in space (http://www.physorg.com/news183278937.html),
PhysOrg.com, January 21, 2010
95. ^ Amos, Jonathan (January 19, 2010), EADS Astrium develops space power concept
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8467472.stm), BBC
96. ^ STRATFOR's founder and CEO discusses the push for space-based energy infrastructure (Video)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXRJA7BZmP0), STRATFOR, January 22, 2010
97. ^ Energy from space made by Astrium (http://www.astrium.eads.net/node.php?articleid=6096), EADS Astrium,
November 25, 2010
98. ^ Special Session list (http://www.apsursi2010.org/?m=page&id=47), IEEE International Symposium on Antennas
and Propagation, April 20, 2010
99. ^ Mridul Chadha (November 10, 2010), US, India launch space based solar energy initiative
(http://ecopolitology.org/2010/11/10/us-india-launch-space-based-solar-energy-initiative/)
100. ^ PTI (November 2, 2012), US, China proposes space collaboration with India
(http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-02/india/34877401_1_space-solar-power-space-collaboration-
v-ponraj)
External links
William Maness on why alternative energy and power grids arent good playmates and his plans for beaming
solar power from space. (http://seedmagazine.com/content/article/getting_solar_off_the_ground/) in Seed
(magazine)
The World Needs Energy from Space
(http://www.space.com/opinionscolumns/opinions/glaser_000223.html) Space-based solar technology is the
key to the world's energy and environmental future, writes Peter E. Glaser, a pioneer of the technology.
Reinventing the Solar Power Satellite" (http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/GLTRS/browse.pl?2004/TM-2004-
212743.html), NASA 2004-212743, report by Geoffrey A. Landis of NASA Glenn Research Center
Japan's plans for a Solar Power Station in Space (http://www.spacedaily.com/news/ssp-01a.html) - the
Japanese government hopes to assemble a space-based solar array by 2040.
Space Energy, Inc. (http://www.spaceenergy.com/) - Space Energy, Inc.
Whatever happened to solar power satellites? (http://www.thespacereview.com/article/214/1) An article that
covers the hurdles in the way of deploying a solar power satellite.
Solar Power Satellite from Lunar and Asteroidal Materials (http://permanent.com/p-sps.htm) Provides an
overview of the technological and political developments needed to construct and utilize a multi-gigawatt
power satellite. Also provides some perspective on the cost savings achieved by using extraterrestrial
materials in the construction of the satellite.
A renaissance for space solar power? by Jeff Foust, Monday, August 13, 2007
(http://www.thespacereview.com/article/931/1) Reports on renewed institutional interest in SSP, and a lack
of such interest in past decades.
PowerSat Corporation / PowerSat Limited website (http://www.powersat.com/) Commercial space based
solar power companies in Europe and the United States.
"Conceptual Study of A Solar Power Satellite, SPS 2000"
(http://www.spacefuture.com/archive/conceptual_study_of_a_solar_power_satellite_sps_2000.shtml)
Makoto Nagatomo, Susumu Sasaki and Yoshihiro Naruo
Researchers Beam 'Space' Solar Power in Hawaii (http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/09/visionary-
beams.html) (Wired Science)
http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/index.htm The National Space Society's Space Solar Power
Library
Special Session on "Analysis of Electromagnetic Wireless Systems for Solar Power Transmission"
(http://www.apsursi2010.org/?m=page&id=47) 2010 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and
Propagation
The future of Energy is on demand? (http://www.festivaldellecittaimpresa.it/index.php?
option=com_events&Itemid=28&lang=en) Special Session at the 2010 Festival delle Citt Impresa
featuring John Mankins (Artemis Innovation Management Solutions LLC, USA), Nobuyuki Kaya (Kobe
University, Japan), Sergio Garribba (Italian Ministry of Economic Development, Italy), Lorenzo Fiori
(Finmeccanica Group, Italy), Andrea Massa (University of Trento, Italy) and Vincenzo Gervasio (Consiglio
Nazionale dell'Economia ed del Lavoro, Italy). White Paper
(http://www.ursi.org/en/publications_whitepapers.asp)- History of SPS Developpements International Union
of Radio Science 2007
Videos
Powering the Planet (http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/space_based_solar_power/) 20-
minute streaming video from The Futures Channel that provides a "101" on space-based solar power
Space Solar Power (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTdJw30Pg4Q) NewSpace 2010 Panel, 72
minutes
Space Solar Power and Space Energy Systems (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMW64hqipGI) SSI
Space Manufacturing 14 Panel 2010 27 min
NASA DVD in 16 Parts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og9UvxrHA9E) Exploring New Frontiers for
Tomorrow's Energy Needs
Space Solar Power (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E_z6L9Hn0Q) Press Conference September 12,
2008 (71 minutes) National Space Society
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Space-based_solar_power&oldid=598060822"
Categories: Photovoltaics Space technology Thermodynamics Energy conversion Satellites
Electric power Solar power Solar power and space
This page was last modified on 4 March 2014 at 04:45.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply.
By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Wikipedia is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

Space-Based Solar Power - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Space-Based Solar Power - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

3/16/2014 Space-based solar power - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You might also like