Solar Energy from Space: An International Assessment of Opportunities, Issues and Potential Pathways Forward

Paper number

IAC-08.C3.1.1

Author

Mr. John Mankins, United States

Coauthor

Prof. Nobuyuki Kaya, Kobe University, Japan

Year

2008

Abstract

International interest in the topic of space solar power has dramatically increased during the past decade.  This interest has been driven by increasing recognition of the risks of global warming and dramatic increases in the costs of energy, and enabled by a wide range of impressive advances in key component and subsystem technologies.  This interest has been expressed through a variety of R&D efforts, including studies and technology development in the U.S. (NASA & NSF, 1995-2003), ongoing R&D in Japan (JAXA, USEF), recent and ongoing studies in Europe (ESA), more recent studies in the U.S. (for the first time conducted for the DOD), as well as new interest in other space-faring countries of importance, such as India and China. However, despite the numerous SSPS efforts of individual countries and programs, and regardless of the need for greater understanding of the prospects for, and limitations of this concept, there has never been an integrated international assessment of the technological, market and legal conditions under which SSPS might become economically viable.   In particular, the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) has never conducted a technical study addressing the concept of space solar power (SSP) and/or solar power satellites.   As a result of these considerations, the IAA (through Commission 3, which addresses space systems and technologies) has undertaken a focused review and assessment of the SSPS concept.  

The overall goals of this study are to determine what role solar energy from space might play in meeting the rapidly growing need for abundant and sustainable energy during the coming decades, to assess the technological readiness and risks associated with the SSPS concept, and (if appropriate) to frame a notional international roadmap that might lead the realization of this visionary concept.  Because significant advances in space solar power systems could have a profound and positive impact on human and robotic space exploration capabilities as well as a range of space applications, the study will also identify such opportunities and evaluate the potential for synergies (if any) between these benefits for space missions and SSPS for terrestrial markets.  Finally, there have long been discussions of the potential role that extraterrestrial resources might play in SSPS architectures; the study will also attempt to identify these opportunities and assess potential connections between international space exploration programs and SSPS.

This paper will review the detailed goals and objectives of this new study by the Academy, progress made during the first year of the effort, and detailed implementation plans for the coming year.

Abstract document

IAC-08.C3.1.1.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.C3.1.1.PDF (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.