Solar Power Satellites (eBook)

Don M. Flournoy, Ph.D., is a professor of telecommunications at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. He is founding editor of the "Online Journal of Space Communication" in publication since 2002. An active member of the National Space Society, Prof. Flournoy served for two terms (2002-2010) on the Board of Directors of the Society of Satellite Professionals International.Prof. Flournoy took his Ph.D. from the University of Texas, and earned a post-graduate Associateship from the University of London. He was Assistant Dean, Case Institute of Technology, Cleveland OH (1965-1969); Associate Dean, State University of New York/Buffalo NY 91969-1971); and Dean of the University College, Ohio University (1971-9181). For 15 years, Dr. Flournoy was director of a research center, the Ohion University Institute for Telecommunication Studies. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles, including writings on space solar power.

Solar Power Satellites 3
Preface 7
Contents 9
Chapter 1: What Is a Solar Power Satellite? 13
What Is a Sunsat? 13
Power Plants in Space 14
The Space Segment 15
The Launch Segment 16
The Ground Segment 17
Challenges That Sunsats Face 18
A Perfect Storm 19
Concluding Thoughts 20
References 20
Chapter 2: What Are the Principal Sunsat Services and Markets? 21
The Energy Picture 21
Climate Change 22
Satellite Power Markets 23
Power-to-Power Utilities 24
Power-to-Agriculture 24
Power-to-Terrestrial Solar 25
Power-to-Fresh Water 26
Power-to-Cities 26
Power-to-Disaster Sites 28
Concluding Thoughts 29
References 29
Chapter 3: What Will Sunsats Look Like? 31
Technical Feasibility 31
Commercial Viability 32
New Architectures 33
Newer Research 35
Other Technical Challenges 36
Corporate Research 37
Concluding Thoughts 38
References 38
Chapter 4: How Will Sunsats Be Delivered to Space? 40
Launching Sunsats 40
An Historical Perspective 41
Launch Strategies 42
Reducing Costs 44
Reusable Rockets 46
Alternative Approaches 47
Concluding Thoughts 48
References 49
Chapter 5: How Will Sunsat Power Be Captured on Earth? 50
Future Prospects 50
Historical Perspective 52
Public Policy Concerns 53
Environment and Health 53
Upper Atmosphere Effects 54
Land Use 55
Space Communications 56
Concluding Thoughts 56
References 57
Chapter 6: What Is the Economic Basis for Solar Power Satellites? 58
The Case for Sunsats 58
Bilateral Project Development 59
Indo-U.S. Collaboration 61
The Commercial Sector 62
Intermediate Steps 63
Concluding Thoughts 64
References 65
Chapter 7: What Are the Legal Issues? 66
International Development Goals 66
Space Law 68
The Outer Space Treaty 68
The Liability Convention 69
The Registration Convention 70
Space Debris 71
Microwave Radiation 73
Other Regulatory Issues 73
GEO Slot Rights 73
Power Beaming 74
Renewable Energy Targets 75
The Role of Government 76
Concluding Thoughts 76
References 77
Chapter 8: How Is Sunsat Development Faring Internationally? 78
SPS over China 78
China’s Long-Term Vision 80
China’s Energy Future 80
Sustainable Development 81
A Skilled Workforce 81
Heading Off and Mitigating Disasters 82
SPS Implementation 82
SPS over India 83
India’s Energy Policies 84
India’s Strategic Goals 84
Power Capacity Constraints 85
SPS over Japan 86
The Japanese National Space Plan 87
International Cooperation and Collaboration 88
Concluding Thoughts 88
References 89
Chapter 9: What Is Worrisome About Solar Power Satellites? 90
Launch to Space 90
Assembly in Space 91
Wireless Transfer of Energy 91
Land Use 92
Satellite Collisions 93
Space Debris 94
Solar Storms and Flares 94
Signal Interference 95
Concluding Thoughts 95
References 96
Chapter 10: Top Ten Things to Know About Space Solar Power 97
References 109
Glossary 111
About the Author 113
Index 115