Space Solar Power

Collecting solar energy in space with reflectors or inflatable mirrors onto solar cells or heaters for thermal systems wireless power transmission to earth via microwave or laser receiving power on earth via a rectenna a microwave.

Space solar power. Our concept is based on the modular assembly of ultralight foldable 2d integrated elements. Collecting solar power in space and transmitting the energy wirelessly to earth through microwaves enables terrestrial power availability unaffected by weather or time of day. The technologies and infrastructure required to make space solar power feasible include. Integration of solar power and rf conversion in one element avoids a power distribution network throughout the structure further reducing weight and complexity.

Solar power could be continuously available anywhere on earth. Large scale in orbit construction and operations. Solaren space solar power ssp converts sunlight in space to electricity on earth the sun s radiant energy is approximately 1 365 watts per square meter in earth orbit. Low cost environmentally friendly launch vehicles.

Expendable launch vehicles have been too expensive and at high. These panels convert solar power into either a microwave or a laser and beam uninterrupted power down to earth. Rising energy costs slow the economy through higher food transportation and goods costs. The space solar power session will address some of the key engineering economic and environmental challenges of constructing space based solar power satellites sbsps.

Self assembling satellites are launched into space along with reflectors and a microwave or laser power transmitter. The now defunct national security space office commissioned a. A space based solar power system could provide energy to everyone even in places that don t receive sunlight all year round like northern europe and russia. Ssp is a simple idea pictured above.

Photovoltaic beaming or wireless power. Space based solar power essentially consists of three elements. This session will review the most recent design and feasibility studies advances in critical power transmission technologies and the latest thinking in architectural concepts. By collecting the sun s energy in high orbit almost ten times as much energy per panel reliable low co2 energy graph right can be collected.

The spider project space solar power incremental demonstrations and research or sspidr is actually building on technology created decades ago. Reflectors or inflatable mirrors spread over a vast swath of space directing solar radiation onto solar panels.