Solar power from satellites

FEB 01, 1977

The combination of solar energy collectors in synchronous orbit with receiving stations on Earth, linked by microwave power‐transmitting beams, could be economic, safe and environmentally acceptable.

DOI: 10.1063/1.3037410

Peter E. Glaser

Various alternative energy sources have been proposed in the last few years, many of them figuring in the pages of PHYSICS TODAY. The recognition that no one of these energy sources will, by itself, meet all future power needs, together with the large uncertainties inherent in the achievement of full potential for each of them, has led to what might appear the most daring proposal so far: large‐scale solar‐energy conversion in space with a satellite solar‐power station located in synchronous orbit around Earth—that is, at an altitude of 22 300 miles above the surface.

References

1. P. E. Glaser, “Method and Apparatus for Converting Solar Radiation to Electrical Power,” United States Patent, 3 781 647, 25 December 1973.
2. G. R. Woodcock, D. L. Gregory, “Derivation of a Total Satellite Energy System,” AIAA Paper 75‐640, AIAA/AAS Solar Energy for Earth Conference, Los Angeles, California, April 1975.
3. Boeing Aerospace Company, “Space‐Based Power Conversion and Power Relay Systems,” Contract No. NAS8‐31628.
4. Arthur D. Little, Inc., “Feasibility Study of a Satellite Solar Power Station,” NASA CR‐2357, NTIS N74‐17784, February 1974.
5. R. M. Dickinson, W. C. Brown, “Radiated Power Transmission System Efficiency Measurements,” Tech Memo 83‐727 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 15 May 1975.
6. Raytheon Company, “Microwave Power Transmission System Studies,” NASA CR‐134886, ER 75‐4368, December 1975.
7. W. C. Brown, Proc. IEEE 62, 11 (1974).https://doi.org/IEEPAD
8. G. Goubau, J. Microwave Power 5, 223 (1970).https://doi.org/JLMPAB
9. W. C. Brown, “Adapting Microwave Techniques to Help Solve Future Energy Problems,” IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, December 1973, pages 755–763.
10. R. M. Dickinson, “Evaluation of a Microwave High‐Power Reception‐Conversion Array for Wireless Power Transmission,” Technical Memorandum 33‐741, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, September 1975.
11. R. Kline, C. A. Nathan, “Overcoming Two Significant Hurdles to Space Power Generation: Transportation and Assembly,” AIAA Paper 75‐641, AIAA/AAS Solar Energy for Earth Conference, Los Angeles, California, April 1975.
12. Boeing Aerospace Company, “System Concepts for STS Derived Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles Study,” NAS9‐14710, Mid‐Term Review 2–6 February 1976.
13. NASA, “Space Station Systems Analysis” (studies being performed under contract for Johnson Space Flight Center, Houston, Texas by McDonnell Douglas and for Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama by Grumman Aerospace Corporation).
14. Grumman Aerospace Company studies: “The Development of Space Fabrication Techniques” for NASA/MSFC and “Orbital Assembly Demonstration Study” for NASA/JSC.
15. Econ, Inc., “Space‐Based Solar Power Conversion and Delivery Systems,” NASA/MSFC Contract No. 8‐31308.

More about the Authors

Peter E. Glaser. Arthur D. Little Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.