Space‐Based Solar Power

The SBSP Study Group concluded that space-based solar power does present a strategic opportunity that could significantly advance US and partner security, capability, and freedom of action and merits significant further attention on the part of both the US Government and the private sector.

The SBSP Study Group concluded that while significant technical challenges remain, Space-Based Solar Power is more technically executable than ever before and current technological vectors promise to further improve its viability. A government-led proof-of-concept demonstration could serve to catalyze commercial sector development.

The SBSP Study Group concluded that SBSP requires a coordinated national program with high-level leadership and resourcing commensurate with its promise, but at least on the level of fusion energy research or International Space Station construction and operations.

The SBSP Study Group concluded that should the U.S. begin a coordinated national program to develop SBSP, it should expect to find that broad interest in SBSP exists outside of the US Government, ranging from aerospace and energy industries; to foreign governments such as Japan, the EU, Canada, India, China, Russia, and others; to many individual citizens who are increasingly concerned about the preservation of energy security and environmental quality While the best chances for development are likely to occur with US Government support, it is entirely possible that SBSP development may be independently pursued elsewhere without U.S. leadership.

Certain key questions about Space-Based Solar Power were not answerable with adequate precision within the time and resource limitations of this interim study, and form the agenda for future action (a complete description of these questions can be found in Appendix A – Space Based Solar Power Design Considerations and Tradeoffs). The fundamental tasks/questions are:

-Identification of clear targets for economic viability in markets of interest
-Identification of technical development goals and a roadmap for retiring risk
-Selection of the best design trades
-Full design and deployment of a meaningful demonstrator

At their estimate of $1-$2/kWh, it's a long way from feasible.

Have they suggested how to get the energy generated back to earth?

Have they suggested how to get the energy generated back to earth?

The initial approach the Japanese are taking is to collect the light in space from a satellite, and beam it to a collection site in the middle of the ocean. I am not sure how they plan to compensate for losses as the beam penetrates the atmosphere. (thread dig from 07'? Aw, not much to talk about lately anyways...)

At their estimate of $1-$2/kWh, it's a long way from feasible.