Summary of Studies on Space Solar Power Systems of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Paper number

IAC-06-C3.1.04

Author

Ms. Yuka Saito, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Tatsuhito Fujita, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISTA/JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Masahiro Mori, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Year

2006

Abstract

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been conducting studies on Space Solar Power Systems (SSPS) using microwave and laser beams for years since FY1998 organizing a special committee and working groups.  The microwave based SSPS are huge solar power systems that generate GW power by solar cells. The electric power is transmitted via microwave from the SSPS to the ground. In the laser based SSPS, a solar condenser equipped with lenses or mirrors and laser-generator would be put into orbit. A laser beam would be sent to Earth-based hydrogen generating device.
JAXA is proposing a roadmap that consists of a stepwise approach to achieve commercial SSPS in 20-30 years. The first step is tens of kW class Technology Demonstration Satellite to demonstrate microwave or laser power transmission. The second step is to demonstrate robotic assembly of 10MW class large scale flexible structure in space on ISS co-orbit. The third step is to build a prototype SSPS in GEO. The final step is to build commercial GW class SSPS in GEO. 
Current SSPS study undertaken by JAXA consists of three main subjects, SSPS concepts and architectures study, technology demonstration plan-making and major technology development. In SSPS concepts and architectures study, special committee and 12 working groups which include 180 or more persons participate from industrial, administrative and academic sectors are organized. In this study, a major focus is on identifying system concepts, architectures and key technologies that may ultimately produce a practical and economical energy source. Some configurations of both microwave based SSPS and laser based SSPS has been studied. The life cycle cost model of SSPS has been created and evaluated its validity. Also sensitivity analysis of SSPS are continued aiming at generating cost of around 8 cent /kwh.
In the study of technology  demonstration, system design of wireless energy transmission Ground Experiment  and conceptual study of tens of kW class Technology Demonstration Satellite are conducted. In major technology development study, several key technologies which are needed to be developed in appropriate R and D roadmap are investigated.
This paper presents the results of these study effort of JAXA and from those results, identifies the most promising SSPS concepts, including their key technologies.

Abstract document

IAC-06-C3.1.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-C3.1.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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