Technical programme

C3. IAF SPACE POWER SYMPOSIUM

Reliable energy systems continue to be key for all space missions. The future exploration and development of space depends on new, more affordable and more reliable energy sources of diverse types ranging from the very small to the extraordinarily large. Moreover, the continuing support for space activities by the public requires that these activities are increasingly inserted into the global challenge to transition current terrestrial energy systems into more environmentally friendly, sustainable ones. The space sector has traditionally served as cutting edge precursor for the development of some renewable power systems. These activities are now put into a much larger space & energy perspective. These range from joint technology development up to visionary concepts such as space solar power plants. The Space Power Symposium, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), addresses all these aspects, covering the whole range from power generation, energy conversion & storage, power management, power transmission & distribution at system and sub-system levels including commercial considerations. It will include, but not be restricted, to topics such as advanced solar and nuclear systems for spacecraft power and propulsion, novel power generation and energy harvesting, and examine the prospects for using space-based power plants to provide energy remotely to the Earth or other planets.