Space Based Solar Power Research Papers (original) (raw)
Provide an overview of emerging US space launch and space systems trends that are critical to the future of new space business cases –like space solar power
A Space Power Satellite capable of providing solar electric power economically for 24 hours per day has been a dream for decades. Herein, an alternative will be described. Mirrors deflecting sunbeams down to earth is a much simpler... more
A Space Power Satellite capable of providing solar electric power economically for 24 hours per day has been a dream for decades. Herein, an alternative will be described. Mirrors deflecting sunbeams down to earth is a much simpler concept. While this idea is very intriguing, the magnitude of its implementation is daunting. Nevertheless, the idea is intriguing enough to proceed with a first order design for the required space mirror satellites. A first step in a development road-map could be the construction of a 12 square meter space mirror to demonstrate full moon intensity illumination in Disney Parks in the evenings. This first small space mirror could potentially be deployed on the International Space Station for testing and proof of concept experiments.
New in-space economy fields are emerging. The nascent space industries include human spaceflight, satellite servicing, orbital transfer vehicles, commercial space stations, in-space manufacturing, commercial landers and many others.... more
New in-space economy fields are emerging. The nascent space industries include human spaceflight, satellite servicing, orbital transfer vehicles, commercial space stations, in-space manufacturing, commercial landers and many others. In-space economy includes cislunar economy and Moon and Mars economies. Factories in Space (www.factoriesinspace.com) is the largest online database of commercial entities in the emerging in-space economy, space resources and microgravity manufacturing fields. The directory was started in 2018 and is growing quickly with 400 entries at this time. First part of the paper will define what new in-space economy is and establish classification for the companies. Literature review will be performed and glossary will be created to define the relatively new terms in a single source. Until the new industry categories are defined and accepted, activities will be named by varying methods, which makes it challenging to determine competitors and estimate market sizes. The count of high-level categories has been limited to the order of 10 for practical purposes. Second part of the paper will present statistical overview of which companies are or aim to be active in the new in-space economy fields. While most of the commercial lander, space resources, habitat and space utilities (energy, oxygen, water, communications) enterprises are focusing on LEO and Moon, many of them will likely add Mars and deep space to their activities once launch opportunities and markets arise. Within the classifications, comparison will be made between capabilities, development status, geographical distribution and funding where available. Goal is to leave a snapshot from 2021 to be able to start discovering trends and next space market booms over the coming decade.
This paper is not going to add any proposed new technology in solar cells, rectenna, etc., it is simply going to restructure the Space-based Solar Power (SBSP) system concept to achieve a 50% reduction in system mass by using an Active... more
This paper is not going to add any proposed new technology in solar cells, rectenna, etc., it is simply going to restructure the Space-based Solar Power (SBSP) system concept to achieve a 50% reduction in system mass by using an Active Space Power Relay. This will reduce the cost of constructing and deploying an SBSP system by the same 50%. The restructuring is based on using PowerSats in a Sun-synchronous orbit at 2,722 km and inclined at 40.1 degrees. They are outside the space junk area and will not require constant re-boost and importantly from this orbit the PowerSats can produce constant energy. The PowerSats will beam the energy to an Active Relay Satellite located in equatorial orbit at 10,300 km. In this orbit the Active Relay Satellite is high enough to get a good view of the PowerSats, and has a good view of ground based rectenna and it is 3.49 times closer to the Earth than GEO, therefore allowing a much smaller transmitter. This plays a very important role in mass reduction.
Space-based solar power has conventionally used solar panel arrays on satellites to harness light energy from the Sun, the authors of this communication suggest the innovative utilization of mirrors to support solar power generation for... more
Space-based solar power has conventionally used solar panel arrays on satellites to harness light energy from the Sun, the authors of this communication suggest the innovative utilization of mirrors to support solar power generation for lunar missions. The existence of peaks of eternal light (PELs) on the lunar surface can be used to our advantage in a novel design allowing for continuous, unlimited access to a light source. However, this has yet to be tested and this may prove to have further limitations in practice. (
This paper represents a joint effort of various scholars, independent scientists and a student operating through the Interstellar Travel MeetUp group, based in Washington, D.C. in the United States of America. The project was presented... more
This paper represents a joint effort of various scholars, independent scientists and a student operating through the Interstellar Travel MeetUp group, based in Washington, D.C. in the United States of America. The project was presented during the 68th International Astronautical Federation Congress, which took place in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2016. Our paper provides a systematic evaluation of power systems in terms of their power generation capacity, size, risks and availability led to the finding that no current one single power system can be relied upon for interstellar travel. Our contribution offers considerations on topics such as space resupply stations, wireless power transmission to spaceships (while at high velocity, using tracking/tethering with lasers), as well as harvesting drones. Futuristic propulsion technologies like the ionic levitation, laser, warp and solar concentrator are considered as alternatives for current propulsion systems. In addition to placing an emphasis on fundamental physics and propulsion research, the authors propose two novel initiatives that will advance interstellar technology while producing already-valuable technologies for terrestrial and orbital use: 1) An educational development initiative – The ‘Nicola Energy City Kit’is based on existing wireless power transmission technology and existing CanSat technology – to advance wireless power and data transmission for terrestrial and interstellar use. These technologies can affordably be tested on Earth first, and then in space. We propose a broad-based open education program that also motivates students to engage in STEM-related jobs. 2) A mobile save testing bed (‘sandbox’) for radical energy concepts – The UMPH lab is an unmanned outpost that accumulates large quantities of matter in save distance from Earth and conducts autonomous experiments, while harvesting energy or matter for the science and in-orbit resupplies.
A multi-purpose low-earth-orbit system of rings circling the earth - the "LEO ARCHIPELAGO" - is proposed as a means of solving or bypassing many major problems hindering man's quest to get into space. A fiber-optic ring about the earth... more
A multi-purpose low-earth-orbit system of rings circling the earth - the "LEO ARCHIPELAGO" - is proposed as a means of solving or bypassing many major problems hindering man's quest to get into space. A fiber-optic ring about the earth would be an initial testing and developmental stage for the ring systems, while providing cash-flow through a LEO-based, high-band-width, world-wide communication system. A Low-Earth-Orbit-based space-elevator system, "Sling-on-a-Ring," is proposed as the crucial developmental stage of the LEO Archipelago. Being a LEO-based heavy-mass lifter, rather than earth- or GEO-based, it is much less massive and therefore less costly than other proposed space-elevators. With the advent of lower-cost, higher-mass transport to orbit, the options for further space development (e.g., communications, space solar power, radiation dampers, sun shades, and permanent LEO habitation) are greatly expanded. This paper provides an update of the Sling-on-a-Ring concept in terms of new materials, potential applications, and trade-offs associated with an earlier model. The impact of Colossal Carbon Tubes, CCT, a material with high tensile strength, extremely-low density, and other favorable properties and new technologies (e.g., solar-powered lasers, power beaming to near-space and earth, and thermal-control systems) on the development of associated LEO-Ring systems (e.g., "Solar-Shade Rings" and "Power Rings") is also explored. The material's effect on the timeline for the system development indicates the feasibility of near-term implementation of the system (possibly within the decade). The Sling-on-a-Ring can provide a less-expensive, environment-friendly, mode of access to space. This would pave the way (via eventual operation at >1000 tonnes per day by 2050) for large scale development of space-based technologies.
The new field of space architecture is introduced. Defined as the “theory and practice of designing and building inhabited environments in outer space,” the field synthesizes human space flight systems engineering subjects with the long... more
The new field of space architecture is introduced. Defined as the “theory and practice of designing and building inhabited environments in outer space,” the field synthesizes human space flight systems engineering subjects with the long tradition of making environments that support human living, work, and aspiration. The scope of the field is outlined, and its three principal domains differentiated. The current state of the art is described in terms of executed projects. Foreseeable options for 21st century developments in human space flight provide a framework to tease out potential space architecture opportunities for the next century.
Human society has reached a critical crossroad in history. The global dynamic process that has driven the prosperity and freedoms embodied in Western civilization is grinding to a halt. The narrowing opportunities for humanity as... more
Human society has reached a critical crossroad in history. The global dynamic process that has driven the prosperity and freedoms embodied in Western civilization is grinding to a halt. The narrowing opportunities for humanity as population presses on technologically defined resources is generating protests, ugly competition, disputes, wars, and a loss of confidence in our political and social institutions. How the world reacts to this crisis over the next few decades will determine the fate of both Western civilization and the rest of the world. Prospects, however, are not bright. Not because the underlying dynamic mechanism of global change is malfunctioning, but because so-called "progressives"--who are really metaphysical interventionists--are attempting to reshape the world using pseudo-science, which is unable to realistically interpret the dynamics of human society. These radical interventionists are engaged in mythmaking rather than reality construction. If they have their way--and they are currently enjoying major successes--the world will experience the establishment of a global command system that will block the natural transition to a new and higher state of technological achievement. I call this outcome the "Dutch windmill syndrome". The outcome will be a massive reduction in material prosperity, the loss of individual liberty, and a huge loss of life. Essentially it will involve "the dying of the light". There is, however, a better way, which is outlined in this paper from the INSTITUTE OF GLOBAL DYNAMIC SYSTEMS (Canberra). Note: unfamiliar terms and concepts are explained in the Appendix.
To satisfy the increasing demand for power and reducing CO2 emission, the future generation system must meet the demand, reli ability, efficiency and sustainability. This has increased the generation of power by using solar, wind, tidal,... more
To satisfy the increasing demand for power and reducing CO2 emission, the future generation system must meet the demand, reli ability, efficiency and sustainability. This has increased the generation of power by using solar, wind, tidal, and many more. A wireless power transmission using microwave is a system which comprises satellite based solar power system (SPS), microwave generator, microwave transmitter (magnetron) and microwave receiver (rectenna). The DC power received on earth is converted into AC for various useful purposes. This paper gives a comprehensive study of various components of satellite based SPS and projects this technology as a vital source of power generation in future. Wireless power transmission is also be done by mutual induction which provides various charging facility.
Space-based solar power has conventionally used solar panel arrays on satellites to harness light energy from the Sun, the authors of this communication suggest the innovative utilization of mirrors to support solar power generation for... more
Space-based solar power has conventionally used solar panel arrays on satellites to harness light energy from the Sun, the authors of this communication suggest the innovative utilization of mirrors to support solar power generation for lunar missions. The existence of peaks of eternal light (PELs) on the lunar surface can be used to our advantage in a novel design allowing for continuous, unlimited access to a light source. However, this has yet to be tested and this may prove to have further limitations in practice.
- by Bruce Banks
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- Ceramics, Solar Energy, Erosion, Durability
For several years NASA, ENTECH, and UAH have been working on various aspects of space solar power systems, some of which include four process elements: (1) space solar radiation collection and conversion to electrical power (2) conversion... more
For several years NASA, ENTECH, and UAH have been working on various aspects of space solar power systems, some of which include four process elements: (1) space solar radiation collection and conversion to electrical power (2) conversion of this electrical power to laser radiation (3) wireless power transmission of this laser radiation to an end-use location (4) collection of the laser radiation and conversion to electrical power For the first element above, photovoltaic concentrator systems using ultra-light Fresnel lenses to focus space sunlight onto small solar cells have demonstrated significant performance, mass, and cost advantages over competing solar arrays. Recently, the photovoltaic concentrator approach has also been proposed for the fourth element, to provide similar performance, mass, and cost advantages over competing laser receiver/converters. This paper describes the new laser receiver/converter approach, including very encouraging test results on early-stage proof-of-concept prototype hardware.
America has reached a critical moment in history. The strategic decision it takes now will determine its future--and the future of the world--for the next century. But will it retreat into mediocrity, or breakthrough into unparalleled... more
America has reached a critical moment in history. The strategic decision it takes now will determine its future--and the future of the world--for the next century. But will it retreat into mediocrity, or breakthrough into unparalleled greatness? This paper provides a unique perspective on this matter, because it employs a general dynamic theory--that I've been developing over the past 50 years--rather than the usual guesswork and speculation. This theory shows that America currently is in a precarious situation. Not because of temporary crises like COVID-19 or the Great Lockdown, or the spike in social unrest sparked by black deaths, but because of changes taking place deep in the dynamic mechanism of societal progress. The dynamic strategy America has been pursuing since the mid-20th century entered a phase of exhaustion around the year 2000. Without immediate and decisive action, this new phase of relative stagnation in economic growth will turn into absolute stagnation and decline, which in turn will intensify the existing divisions in society. America desperately needs to develop a new dynamic strategy that can take a leading role in driving the new global technological paradigm shift that I call the Solar Revolution. This paper outlines how this transformation can be achieved. Since I wrote "America's critical choice", Joe Biden has defeated Donald Trump at the November 2020 Presidential election. What impact will this critical choice have on America's future? See my more recent paper "America makes its critical choice" for the answer.
Roles of Solar Power from Space for Europe: Selected Results of the First Phase of the European SPS Programme Plan Leopold Summerer, Massimiliano Vasile Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency Abstract This paper presents the... more
Roles of Solar Power from Space for Europe: Selected Results of the First Phase of the European SPS Programme Plan Leopold Summerer, Massimiliano Vasile Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency Abstract This paper presents the prospective roles of SPS concepts for ...
The traditional space power satellite concept proposes putting a huge satellite in GEO that receives sunlight, converts it to electricity with large solar PV arrays and then beams the power down to earth with microwaves or IR and converts... more
The traditional space power satellite concept proposes putting a huge satellite in GEO that receives sunlight, converts it to electricity with large solar PV arrays and then beams the power down to earth with microwaves or IR and converts the power to electricity with a special new antenna array. An alternative is to put mirror satellites in a lower dawn-dusk polar orbit and deflect sunbeams to large terrestrial solar fields now being built. Either concept requires mirror satellite development.
GaSb Cells and IR Power Beaming Lewis M. Fraas & Han Xiang Huang JX Crystals Inc, Issaquah, WA TPV-8, Palm Desert, CA November 2008 IR Power Beaming is an application where the system development is straight forward. Eye-safe IR... more
Mankind has always feared the future. We have always recognised the precariousness of life and sought to defend ourselves against the inevitable--physical decline and death. We look hopefully to forces greater than ourselves--to gods or... more
Mankind has always feared the future. We have always recognised the precariousness of life and sought to defend ourselves against the inevitable--physical decline and death. We look hopefully to forces greater than ourselves--to gods or science--for guidance and protection. Yet our precautionary efforts betray signs of desperation as we know that great societies of the past have crumbled into dust. Going beyond reason, humanity has developed Great Myths about its ability to control the forces of destiny. Even today in modern technological societies we invest the "masters of science"--such as medical, climate, and technological "experts"--with a god-like status; expecting them to intervene in the world to change its course and avoid catastrophe. In this book of essays, largely written during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020/21, I argue that by intervening in the dynamic processes of the economy, these "experts" rely not on science, but on metaphysical presumptions and ideology. These occupants of the Ship of Metaphysical Fools run the very real risk of damaging the dynamic core of human society, thereby causing massive loss of life and endangering the future of civilization. It has happened before, and will do so again unless we reject the metaphysical interventionists.
Within the next 15 to 20 years a significant portion of the European power plants will reach their definitive end-of-life and will have to be replaced. As a consequence, the discussion about the most appropriate energy system for this... more
Within the next 15 to 20 years a significant portion of the European power plants will reach their definitive end-of-life and will have to be replaced. As a consequence, the discussion about the most appropriate energy system for this 21st century is gaining political and public ...
— A Space Power Satellite capable of providing solar electric power economically for 24 hours per day has been a dream for decades. Herein, an alternative will be described. Mirrors deflecting sunbeams down to earth is a much simpler... more
— A Space Power Satellite capable of providing solar electric power economically for 24 hours per day has been a dream for decades. Herein, an alternative will be described. Mirrors deflecting sunbeams down to earth is a much simpler concept. While this idea is very intriguing, the magnitude of its implementation is daunting. Nevertheless, the idea is intriguing enough to proceed with a first order design for the required space mirror satellites. A first step in a development road-map could be the construction of a 12 square meter space mirror to demonstrate full moon intensity illumination in Disney Parks in the evenings. This first small space mirror could potentially be deployed on the International Space Station for testing and proof of concept experiments.
Recent tests performed at the NASA Glenn Research Center and elsewhere have shown promise in the design and construction of high voltage (300-1000 V) solar arrays for space applications. Preliminary results and implications for solar... more
Recent tests performed at the NASA Glenn Research Center and elsewhere have shown promise in the design and construction of high voltage (300-1000 V) solar arrays for space applications. Preliminary results and implications for solar array design will be discussed, with application to direct-drive electric propulsion and space solar power.
The Stellar Energy Harvester Mk-I is a revolutionary space-based solar-energy harvesting system. Unlike the highly inefficient conventional SBSP systems, it works by focusing sunlight by a paraboloid solar-sail (composed of highly... more
The Stellar Energy Harvester Mk-I is a revolutionary space-based solar-energy harvesting system. Unlike the highly inefficient conventional SBSP systems, it works by focusing sunlight by a paraboloid solar-sail (composed of highly reflective/heat-resistant Kapton), into a ceramic lasing-medium (Nd:YAG), resulting in a highly-collimated high-energy infrared laser for transmission to Earth-based systems (via an orbiting constellation of reflector/collimator units). It uses minimal solar panel bulk for cooling.
The SEH is a more robust, adaptable and commercially-viable system.
- by S. Mishra and +1
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- Physics, Solid State Physics, Renewable Energy, Ceramic Technology
Information pertaining to the Space Solar Power Program is presented on energy analysis; markets; overall development plan; organizational plan; environmental and safety issues; power systems; space transportation; space manufacturing,... more
Information pertaining to the Space Solar Power Program is presented on energy analysis; markets; overall development plan; organizational plan; environmental and safety issues; power systems; space transportation; space manufacturing, construction, & operations; design examples; and finance.
Solar power plants are among promising long-term energy options of the 21 century, covering humanities ever increasing energy need in a sustainable way free of greenhouse gas emission. Terrestrial solar power is one of the fastest growing... more
Solar power plants are among promising long-term energy options of the 21 century, covering humanities ever increasing energy need in a sustainable way free of greenhouse gas emission. Terrestrial solar power is one of the fastest growing energy sectors with high growth rates sustained over more than a decade and very promising forecasts. Since 30 years the idea of a large solar power plant in Earth orbit, transmitting energy to Earth-bound receiver sites enjoys periodic attention from energy and space entities. All studies concluded the principal technical feasibility of the concepts and gradually improved their power to mass ratio. No substantial development efforts were undertaken however since with current technology space generated electricity costs would still be too high, upfront costs prohibitive and the launcher sector not mature enough to reduce e/kg to orbit costs by the required order of magnitude. In the past space concepts were mainly compared to traditional energy sys...
On the announcement of Donald Trump's Presidential victory in November 2016, I published a paper entitled "The triumph of Trump and the failure of the intellectuals". I argued that the rise of Trump to power and the failure of the... more
On the announcement of Donald Trump's Presidential victory in November 2016, I published a paper entitled "The triumph of Trump and the failure of the intellectuals". I argued that the rise of Trump to power and the failure of the intellectuals in the media and academia to predict this momentous event, had similar origins. The failure of orthodox social scientists to develop a general dynamic theory of human society had not only contributed to the economic conditions (through flawed policy advice) that Trump exploited, but also to their inability to envisage this eventuality. My 2016 paper attempted to explain these outcomes in terms of the exhaustion of America's old dynamic strategy, the resulting rise in strategic frustration, and the critical need to find an elusive replacement dynamic strategy. This was based on my 'dynamic-strategy theory' and historical examination. In the current paper I expand on this explanation, review Trump's term as President, evaluate his re-election prospects, and discuss the implications for America's future. I conclude that America is at an historical crossroad and that its future is precariously placed.
Since I wrote this paper, Donald Trump has been defeated by Joe Biden at the November 2020 Presidential election. What impact will this have on America's future? See my latest paper "America makes its choice of futures! But will it catch the next great wave of history?".
The present work examines new ways of large-scale hydrogen generation via space assets. Solar power satellites, large structures in Earth orbit converting solar energy via photovoltaic cells 24h/day into electricity, that is immediately... more
The present work examines new ways of large-scale hydrogen generation via space assets. Solar power satellites, large structures in Earth orbit converting solar energy via photovoltaic cells 24h/day into electricity, that is immediately transmitted via electromagnetic waves to ...
Abstract. The primary difficulties with the dream of Space Solar Power (SSP) for earth, are the extreme launch costs of solar power satellites to Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), and the absence of an evolutionary path to SSP. This makes... more
Abstract. The primary difficulties with the dream of Space Solar Power (SSP) for earth, are the extreme launch costs of solar power satellites to Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), and the absence of an evolutionary path to SSP. This makes the cost-to-first-power unacceptably ...
Space-based solar power has conventionally used solar panel arrays on satellites to harness light energy from the Sun, the authors of this communication suggest the innovative utilization of mirrors to support solar power generation for... more
Space-based solar power has conventionally used solar panel arrays on satellites to harness light energy from the Sun, the authors of this communication suggest the innovative utilization of mirrors to support solar power generation for lunar missions. The existence of peaks of eternal light (PELs) on the lunar surface can be used to our advantage in a novel design allowing for continuous, unlimited access to a light source. However, this has yet to be tested and this may prove to have further limitations in practice. (
Abstract. Although future orbital facilities will have immense scale, details will require intricate operations in restrictive, confined quarters. LEMUR is a small, agile and capable six-legged walking robot that has been built at the Jet... more
Abstract. Although future orbital facilities will have immense scale, details will require intricate operations in restrictive, confined quarters. LEMUR is a small, agile and capable six-legged walking robot that has been built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to perform dexterous ...
A Space Power Satellite capable of providing solar electric power economically for 24 hours per day has been a dream for decades. Herein, an alternative will be described. Mirrors deflecting sunbeams down to earth is a much simpler... more
A Space Power Satellite capable of providing solar electric power economically for 24 hours per day has been a dream for decades. Herein, an alternative will be described. Mirrors deflecting sunbeams down to earth is a much simpler concept. While this idea is very intriguing, the magnitude of its implementation is daunting. Nevertheless, the idea is intriguing enough to proceed with a first order design for the required space mirror satellites. A first step in a development road-map could be the construction of a 12 square meter space mirror to demonstrate full moon intensity illumination in Disney Parks in the evenings. This first small space mirror could potentially be deployed on the International Space Station for testing and proof of concept experiments.
ABSTRACT Space solar power (SSP) is generally considered to be the collection in space of energy from the sun and its wireless transmission from space for use on earth. It has been observed that the implementation of such a system could... more
ABSTRACT Space solar power (SSP) is generally considered to be the collection in space of energy from the sun and its wireless transmission from space for use on earth. It has been observed that the implementation of such a system could offer energy security, environmental, and technological advantages to those who would undertake its development. A study conducted by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) sought to determine if unique, cost effective, and efficient approaches exist for supplying significant power on demand for Navy, Marine Corps, or other Department of Defense applications by employing a space-based solar power system. The study was initiated by and prepared for top NRL management in part as a result of the publication of the National Security Space Office's (NSSO) report ``Space-Based Solar Power as an Opportunity for Strategic Security.'' The NSSO report's recommendations included statements calling for the U.S. Government to conduct analyses, retire technical risk, and become an early demonstrator for SBSP. It should be noted that the principal objective of the NRL study differed significantly from that of the multitude of previous studies performed in reference to SBSP in that it focused on defense rather than utility grid applications.