NASA's Latest Report Sheds Light on Space Solar Power: A Costly Yet Promising Future
By Karmactive Staff
NASA's recent study on space-based solar power (SBSP) assesses its feasibility and economic implications, projecting a challenging yet promising future.
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The Innovative Heliostat Swarm (RD1) and Mature Planar Array (RD2), both 2 GW systems, represent varied approaches in space solar technology.
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SBSP's lifecycle cost, at $0.61/kWh for RD1 and $1.59/kWh for RD2, considerably exceeds terrestrial renewable sources.
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GHG emissions for SBSP are comparable to nuclear and renewables, but the impact of launches on the upper atmosphere remains an open question.
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Sensitivity analyses suggest that a combination of reduced launch costs, extended hardware lifetimes, and manufacturing improvements could make SBSP more cost-effective.
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Technological challenges, like in-space assembly and power beaming, alongside regulatory hurdles, are significant barriers to SBSP's implementation.
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NASA, investing in related technologies for its missions, could play a pivotal role in advancing SBSP systems.
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The agency's engagement options range from monitoring SBSP developments to forming strategic partnerships.
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Despite current economic hurdles, SBSP holds potential as a future source of carbon-free renewable energy, with NASA's involvement being crucial.