Sat 27 Oct 2007
Space-Based Solar Power the answer to future energy demand?
Posted by + mOdOk + under China news , Currents , Politika , SustainabilityCould Space Solar Power be a practical method of dealing with the huge worldwide energy demand in the future? A recently published report by a US government funded commission addresses exactly this question.
From the Forward of the report:
Preventing resource conflicts in the face of increasing global populations and demands in the 21st century is a high priority for the Department of Defense. All solution options to these challenges should be explored, including opportunities from space.
In March 2007, the National Security Space Office’s Advanced Concepts Office presented the idea of space?based solar power (SBSP) as a potential grand opportunity to address not only energy security, but environmental, economic, intellectual, and space security as well. First proposed in the late 1960’s, the concept was last explored in the NASA’s 1997 “Fresh Look” Study. In the decade since this last study, advances in technology and new challenges to security have warranted a current exploration of the strategic implications of SBSP. For these reasons, my office sponsored a no?cost Phase 0 Architecture Feasibility Study of SBSP during the Spring and Summer of 2007.
Unlike traditional contracted architecture studies, the attached report was compiled through an innovative and collaborative approach that relied heavily upon voluntary internet discussions by more than 170 academic, scientific, technical, legal, and business experts around the world. I applaud the high quality of work accomplished by the team leaders and all participants who contributed in the last six months. I encourage them to continue their work in earnest as they move beyond this interim report and seek to answer the question of whether SBSP can be developed and deployed within the first half of this century to provide affordable, clean, safe, reliable, sustainable and expandable energy for mankind.
This interim assessment contains significant initial findings and recommendations that should provide pause and consideration for national and international policy makers, business leaders, and citizens alike. It appears that technological challenges are closing rapidly and the business case for creating SBSP is improving with each passing year. Still absent, however, is an appropriate catalyst to stimulate the various interested parties toward actually developing a SBSP capability. I encourage all to read this report and consider the opportunities that SBSP presents as part of a national and international debate for action on how best to preserve security for all.
As is often the case, the comments section is more interesting than the actual post. The poster “Coyote” gives great responses to most of those who challenge the feasibility of the project or espouse alternative technologies.
However things shape up, it will be interesting to keep tabs on the developments.
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