Different technological options are presented for an evolutionary architecture towards space-based solar power. The space power grid approach integrates the issues of global warming and energy demand with the technologies for space-based solar power. In the first stage, a constellation of satellites in low earth orbit will transact power exchanges between earth-based power plants. In a second stage, solar energy will be collected and directly converted in low earth orbit to microwave or laser beams. In the final stage, low-mass collectors will focus sunlight on the converters in low earth orbit, opening up large-scale power generation from space with an established ground infrastructure. The system has the potential to enhance the commercial viability of solar and wind-based power plants on earth, by opening markets around the world to smoothen fluctuations in supply and demand.
Space Power Grid — Evolutionary Approach to Space Solar Power
10th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments and Second NASA/ARO/ASCE Workshop on Granular Materials in Lunar and Martian Exploration ; 2006 ; League City/Houston, Texas, United States
Earth & Space 2006 ; 1-5
2006-03-02
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Space Power Grid-Evolutionary Approach to Space Solar Power
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