THE SPS DEMONSTRATION AND VALIDATION APPROACH

Paper number

IAC-08.C3.3.2

Author

Mr. Frank Steinsiek, Astrium Space Transportation, Germany

Year

2008

Abstract

A Demonstration Strategy for Solar Power Systems in Space (SPS) needs to address specific objectives as the feasibility of transmitting power from space to ground with a laser or RF system, the critical technology items, performance, operations, safety and impacts on the environment. The validation has to be done for successive steps of increasing power implementation and of the critical technology necessary to support the successive steps of implementation of the selected space power system and to minimize the risks of development of the system.

Based on these objectives, the demonstration strategy described in this paper will include Ground tests, Test through Earth atmosphere using suitable means, as airship, balloon, payload on ISS and Test in orbit. The question is, what can be demonstrated or evaluated on ground and what shall be validated with a transmitting system located at very high altitude, like an airship or a balloon, or beyond atmosphere (ISS), and with an in orbit demonstrator? The Ground tests for the key technologies and the system are the first step.

As a specific step, as part of an overall technology development and demonstration roadmap an experiment on the ISS, as an option, would serve to these objectives, and especially gain a new momentum for the SPS long-term technology program, provide data for technology evaluation and selection, achieve an attractive ISS utilization project matching political high priorities. Potential niche applications as input for the long-term program would be approached as important starters for SPS implementation. The basic technical capabilities are shown by this experiment.

The Astrium concept for an end-to-end demonstration of a closed laser power transmission chain from space to ground is presented as an alternative in the paper. On-board the ISS and attached to one of the external Columbus payload facilities, the laser transmitter and control system is accommodated. The ground reception site is located along the ground track of the station. This concept enables a fixed or even mobile target on ground. The ISS Columbus experiment would show the basic technology in terms of power reception and conversion in space, power transmission to ground, re-conversion on ground and the beam steering capability and efficiency.  Aspects like the impact of the atmosphere on beam attenuation, safety aspects with respect to ground population and environment, beam steering capability and efficiency are important.

The ISS-SPS demonstration project would demonstrate the potential for selected applications in advance to the long-term implementation in larger scale. It would support the potential of new services provided by the ISS. 

Abstract document

IAC-08.C3.3.2.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)