credit: NASA / caption: NASA selected 23 proposals for a SBSP study in 1999
The European Space Agency's general studies programme is to assess a laser-based SBPS concept for Earth and for the lunar surface. Small scale science missions' laser power transmissions will also be considered
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credit: NASA / caption: In 1999 NASA said this "SunTower" could supply energy to a lunar base
The ESA work will include an assessment of the integration of space-based solar power plants into terrestrial ones, "including innovative approaches to orbit selection [and] methods for the adaptation of terrestrial solar power plants to serve in addition as receiving stations for space solar power plants"
According to the European agency direct solar pumped laser technologies offer the option of increasing total laser conversion efficiencies "by an order of magnitude" and innovative beam control and steering technologies, laser to electricity conversion systems and a combination of parallel data, power transmission techniques are of interest
An earlier ESA study found that some SBSP related technologies were now showing "near- to mid-term potential"
credit: NASA / caption: In 1999 NASA said this "SunTower" could supply energy to a lunar base
The ESA work will include an assessment of the integration of space-based solar power plants into terrestrial ones, "including innovative approaches to orbit selection [and] methods for the adaptation of terrestrial solar power plants to serve in addition as receiving stations for space solar power plants"
According to the European agency direct solar pumped laser technologies offer the option of increasing total laser conversion efficiencies "by an order of magnitude" and innovative beam control and steering technologies, laser to electricity conversion systems and a combination of parallel data, power transmission techniques are of interest
An earlier ESA study found that some SBSP related technologies were now showing "near- to mid-term potential"
Then, it seems they've LOTS of money to BURN since NEVER the "space energy" may/will cost less than THOUSANDS TIMES the solar energy produced deploying the SAME solar arrays in a DESERT on Earth !!!
That study is an interesting development. Seems that ESA is also interested in using the prospects of space solar power to inspire a new generation of space fans - see our related blog post here - http://whitelabelspace.blogspot.com/2008/08/using-space-engery-to-inspire-new.html