Space-based solar power is becoming reality — but the U.S. needs to help

[Michie]

For most, satellite connectivity means ensuring that people everywhere have access to telecommunications, data and the internet. Connecting this way is a noble goal, and innovators are finding new approaches to connect the world’s poorest and most remote regions through low-cost satellites in high orbits.



In recent years, however, a new group of innovators has emerged. They have a different connectivity goal: connecting everything, everywhere, to energy. They are re-examining the old idea of space-based solar power (SBSP) to see if new technologies and approaches can realize the elusive promise of bringing baseload power to any location on Earth, night or day. If any succeed, their impact could be revolutionary.

While SBSP has for decades been considered technologically infeasible and too costly to pursue, this generation of space entrepreneurs, with new technology and new business models, are rethinking SBSP from the ground up. By focusing on feasibility, they aim to show meaningful results, from space, within just a couple of years. To ensure U.S. leadership in this new area, Congress and the Trump administration should streamline regulations, create ways for agencies to buy SBSP as a commodity and support continued research and development that complements what these new companies are doing.

A history of space-based solar power​

Continued below.

Space-based solar power is becoming reality — but the U.S. needs to help

Space-based solar power is becoming reality — but the U.S. needs to help

spacenews.com

 

[Phil G]

For most, satellite connectivity means ensuring that people everywhere have access to telecommunications, data and the internet. Connecting this way is a noble goal, and innovators are finding new approaches to connect the world’s poorest and most remote regions through low-cost satellites in high orbits.



In recent years, however, a new group of innovators has emerged. They have a different connectivity goal: connecting everything, everywhere, to energy. They are re-examining the old idea of space-based solar power (SBSP) to see if new technologies and approaches can realize the elusive promise of bringing baseload power to any location on Earth, night or day. If any succeed, their impact could be revolutionary.

While SBSP has for decades been considered technologically infeasible and too costly to pursue, this generation of space entrepreneurs, with new technology and new business models, are rethinking SBSP from the ground up. By focusing on feasibility, they aim to show meaningful results, from space, within just a couple of years. To ensure U.S. leadership in this new area, Congress and the Trump administration should streamline regulations, create ways for agencies to buy SBSP as a commodity and support continued research and development that complements what these new companies are doing.

A history of space-based solar power​

Continued below.

Space-based solar power is becoming reality — but the U.S. needs to help

Space-based solar power is becoming reality — but the U.S. needs to help

spacenews.com

Interesting article on a potential future of energy supply. The ever increasing use of space technology is fascinating.