The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) released its recommendations on Space-based Solar Power (SBSP) on May 8. In the proposal, Dr. Thomas Coughlin, IEEE President-Elect in 2023 and Life Fellow, said, "Although there are technical challenges, space solar power will become an important energy source for mankind in the future." there is
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(source: IEEE)
Space solar power generation is a concept in which a vast array of solar panels (aggregate) is placed in satellite orbit and the generated power is sent to the ground for use. Technologies for beam transmission of collected energy to specific points on the ground are key. It is also called "Space Solar Power System (SSPS)" in English, and has been conceived and basic research has been conducted both in Japan and overseas.
In Japan, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Japan Space Systems Development and Utilization Agency (J-space Systems) are collaborating to create a roadmap for practical application around 2050. I am doing basic research at university. The Basic Plan for Space Policy compiled by the Cabinet Office in December last year also included space solar power generation as a technology that can contribute to carbon neutrality, aiming to demonstrate energy transmission from satellites to the ground by 2025.
According to IEEE, countries currently actively researching this technology include the United States, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and India. In early 2023, the California Institute of Technology's space solar power project went live with a prototype component package that could be used in an orbiting solar farm. China also plans to build a station with commercial power generation capacity as early as the 2030s.
The IEEE proposal summarizes the pros and cons of this initiative. Proponents of space-based solar power may still be decades away from commercialization, but they argue that there are several benefits, including the ability to use solar power at night and on cloudy days, which is not possible on Earth. In addition, the sunlight in outer space is inexhaustible, so it is possible to generate power on a scale that is incomparable to that on the ground.
Opponents, on the other hand, point to a huge number of technical hurdles that must be overcome before a space solar project can become a reality. For example, it cites the challenges of assembling solar panel arrays in space, transmitting energy to Earth, and launching materials into orbit in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner.
Despite these criticisms, however, prototype development continues, and Caltech is working on self-assembled solar panel array modular components called the Orbitally Deployable Ultralight Composite Experimental Vehicle (DOLCE). ing. Researchers are also focusing on converting it into microwaves and lasers as a way to send power back to Earth.
Dr. Coughlin said, "I am confident that space solar arrays will be used to power the development of industry and resource development in space. This will bring benefits to people living on Earth." He said, "Space solar power generation will become an important energy source in the future."
