What if ? Space Solar Power was Enabled by Space Elevators
- Paper number
IAC-08.D4.1.4
- Author
Dr. Peter A. Swan, Teaching Science and Technology, Inc., United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The global need for Solar Power Satellites is overwhelming when the aspects of energy demand, greenhouse gases, and global warming are projected for the next 50 years. “The National Space Society believes that one of the most important long-term solutions for meeting those energy needs is Space Solar Power (SSP), which gathers energy from sunlight in space and sends it to Earth. We believe that SSP can solve our energy and greenhouse gas emissions problems. Not just help, not just take a step in the right direction; solve. SSP can provide large quantities of energy to each and every person on Earth with very little environmental impact.” [“Space Solar Power: An Investment for Today – An Energy Solution for Tomorrow,” National Space Society, Oct. 2007. Pg 1.] This SSP project is gaining high level attention because of its major attributes: - Essentially, a completely “green” source of energy - Phenomenal amount of energy to tap (more in one year than all oil resources available) - Capable of placing energy anywhere on the Earth - Cost effective if the gravity well can be neutralized - Global energy independence once accomplished. For this global need to be realized, the economic equation for development, deployment and operations must change. The current business assessment of the project does not make financial sense when dealing with commercial return on investment. This lack of commercial closure is mainly due to cost of launch to geosynchronous orbit. The existence of a space elevator will change the equation such that space solar power could be enabled.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.D4.1.4.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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