Comments on: Space-Based Solar Power Interim Assessment (Release 0.1) is Published!

By: scot4space

scot4space — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:55:10 +0000

As a space enthusiast I would like to suggest a slightly different approach to Space Based Power Satellites that would enable it to grow from pilot plant to full scale use and generate income along the way. The basic concept would be a constellation of smaller self contained microwave based SBPS with all the functions of a larger one, ideally they would be launched on a single current launcher such as an Atlas V, or a multiple launch as standard modules and assembled in equatorial orbit using a space tug. The pilot SBPS then could prove out the concept and resolve any teething problems and provide power on an intermittent basis, as more SBPS are launched the gap between satellite passes would be reduced and enable more power to be provided . Ultimately you would use a space tug to place SBPS into GEO orbit, with a constellation of many SBPS focussing onto a single rectennae on earth, you would also have the option of providing power to multiple locations from the same constellation. To drive costs down you need long production runs of launchers as well as satellites, you also need to be able to generate income relatively early on in the process to justify further investment, though being a space enthusiast I’m not conversant on the technical issues. Apoligies in advance if this has already been suggested
Scot4space

By: Oppopaype

Oppopaype — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:11:02 +0000

I agreed with you

By: the inventor

the inventor — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:08:16 +0000

Space-Based Microwave Power

http://www.p2pnet.net/story/16477

If not the US – then I am sure another country will develop it.

By: mike

mike — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:16:53 +0000

We need energy !

We cannot rely on oil forever as it is not renewable. The efficiency of Earth based wind and solar are too low and take up to much land.

Space-Based Microwave Power seems the most logical.

http://www.p2pnet.net/story/16477

By: DEEPAK KUMAR GUPTA

DEEPAK KUMAR GUPTA — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:09:52 +0000

It’s nice to approach for the green and infinite solar power ….

By: Neil Cox

Neil Cox — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:48:58 +0000

Hi Hybred: Cost per square meter is likely more important than efficiency for the average homeowner considering their own solar power. The power companies need to encourage do it your self co-generating. At present they require an expensive inverter which is poorly adapted to providing emergency power when the power company is blacked out = not providing power. Co-generator means the power company provides your power while your system needs repair or maintenance. Co-generator also means you can start out tiny and expand your own system, later. For much of the USA, a very steep south facing roof improves the output especially in December. SW facing is better for the power company as it puts energy on the grid during the first part of peak demand when the wholesale price of electricity is high. Perhaps we should mandate (in locales favorable to solar power) new house and building contruction with a large area of steep South or SW facing roof, even though this may not be pleasing to the eye = non symmetrical. Vertical walls are too steep for best results in June when the sun is almost straight up at 1 PM daylight time. Roof over hang will shade the panels.
For SSP we need large production of the type of solar panels we will install in space and watts per kilogram is more important than efficiency. Perhaps price support is the way to pump up production of the type of panels we will need. Neil

By: Hybrid

Hybrid — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:07:23 +0000

I love solar power I think over the next few years it’s going to be exploding even more… as performance of solar panels goes up people are going to be adopting it everywhere they can… after all it’s free energy

Some things I’m looking forward to are more effiecient solar panels, about 5 years from now when I buy my house I want to make sure I can power the entire house and my plugin hybrid all on solar power… I’m also hoping that solar paint will finally be in customers hands… having your entire house generate so much electricity and maybe even being able to sell it back to the grid would be amazing…

BTW here is more great Solar Power information, there is quite a few amazing new solar projects being done right now… it’s really great to see so much focus on alternative energy.

By: Edawg

Edawg — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:12:33 +0000

I am all for acedemic freedom I just think that disruptive polices regarding National Security and Space Exploration should be changed.The Terrestrial Planet Finder is a good example of this(?) And so is Blackstar.Some International laws would help out alought with space development there is to many variables and uncertainty as you realize,traditional economics does not apply to the current space market in any way shape or form.Calculating your business expenses x+y=z with a timetable goes out the window.I wonder if the wild west model will apply to space colonization?I dont think six-shooters do so well in pressurized environments.

By: Coyote

Coyote — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:04:13 +0000

All,

The technical discussion here is outstanding. You are raising excellent issues that testing must resolve.

Edawg (64): I am speaking only as a private citizen here, so please do not misconstrue my comments as “official” by any stretch of the imagination…please extend to me a degree of academic freedom and do not cite me, please. I speculate that the current administration–and hence the Pentagon–sees great potential in space, but like the Internet, they are hesitant to constrain its natural development with more regulations, laws, and treaties. That said, it is my opinion, based on numerous discussions with various space lawyers and space entrepreneurs, that the commercial sector would benefit greatly by additional international space laws that clarify many questions in current laws and treaties regarding licensing, liability, indemnity, registration, and various on-orbit and lunar property/mineral rights issues. Such clarification would create greater certainty and predictability among the investors, bankers, insurers and customers. That would probably be good. You mentioned piracy. We are already experiencing incidents of satellite signal and bandwidth theft. The Chinese have accused the Falun Gong of such attacks on their satellites, and we tend to believe them. I’m not sure any laws or treaties will prevent such acts.

By: Edawg

Edawg — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:12:28 +0000

there needs to be international business regulations for new space companies.Most of the technology needed has National defense written on it in big giant letters.Without regulation you run the risk of having space pirates.I think there needs to be a new UN Outer space Treaty but the Pentagon may not want that.