1. Space-Based Solar Power An Opportunity for Strategic Security

2. Space-Based Solar Power
Outline
Trends of Concern
Space-Based Solar Power
DoD, National, and International Impact
The Role of U.S. Government Leadership

3. The Energy Challenge Our Generation’s Challenge
When asked shortly after WWII:
“Prof Einstein, what do you see as the greatest threat to mankind?”
His prompt reply:
“Exponential growth.”

4. The Energy Challenge Trends of Concern
Population
Energy
Asia
56%
Africa
13%
Middle East 3%
Western Europe 5%
Eastern Europe 7%
Our Hemisphere
(US = 4%)
Energy growth tracks w/ population & economic growth
Liquid fossil fuels may peak before alternatives come on line causing inability for supply to match demand, shortages & economic shock, instability / state failure, and great power competition
Three energy concerns: 1) mobility fuels, 2) base-load electricity, 3) peak-use electricity
By 2025, the world will have added 2 billion more people, 56% of the global population will be in Asia, and 66% will live in urban areas along the coasts
Climate Change
American Competitiveness
Increased CO2 production may alter the Earth’s climate, possibly causing:
Rising ocean levels and loss of coastal areas
More intense tropical storms & humanitarian ops
Agricultural climate change—causing migration, and shifts in power, ethnic & land based conflict
The U.S. is losing global market share & leadership
R&D investments & skilled workforce are declining
"a major workforce crisis in the aerospace industry…a threat to national security and the U.S. ability to continue as a world leader.”

5. The Energy Challenge Future Energy Options Must Be…
Following wood, coal, and oil, the 4th energy must be*:
Non-depletable - to prevent resource conflicts
Environmentally clean – to permit a sustainable future
[Continuously] Available – to provide base-load security for everyone
In a usable form – to permit efficient consumption & minimal infrastructure
Low cost - to permit constructive opportunity for all populations
A portfolio of substantial investments are needed, but options in the next years are limited…
Source
Clean
Safe
Reliable
Base-load
Fossil Fuel No
Yes
Decades remaining
Nuclear
Fuel Limited
Wind Power
Intermittent
Ground Solar
Hydro
Drought; Complex Scheduling
Bio-fuels
Limited Qty – Competes w/Food
Space Solar
* Adapted from Dr. Ralph Nansen’s book, “Sun Power”

6. While Enhancing U.S. Competitiveness and Export Opportunities?
The Energy Challenge But What If National Leaders Had A Solution…
That Directly Addresses Global Energy Security Concerns?
Can Deliver Power to World’s Energy Rich and Poor Alike
Provides A Truly Sustainable & Clean Energy Path Thru 21st Century
While Enhancing U.S. Competitiveness and Export Opportunities?
Today’s U.S. Technical Leadership Can Become Economic Boom
(Space Carrying Trade, Energy Export, Material Science, Robotics,…)
With Pre-existing U.S. Public Support?
2002 American Space Use Poll - #1: Space Energy #2: Planetary Defense
That Propels A Respected U.S. International Leadership Image?
Demonstrating a Global Solution to a Global Problem
And Responds to the Interests of Both Political Parties?
Benefiting Conservative Business Interests
Benefiting Liberal Social & Environmental Interests

7. Capabilities and Challenges What is Space Solar Power?
Solar Energy is captured in space by large photovoltaic arrays and transmitted via a coherent microwave or laser beam to an Earth receiver where it is converted into either base-load electric power, low-intensity charging power, or synthetic fuels
Sunlight captured in space is many times more effective in providing continuous base load power compared to a solar array on the Earth
SBSP has been studied since 1970’s by DOE, NASA, ESA, and JAXA, but has generally “fallen through the cracks” because no organization is responsible for both Space Programs and Energy Security
Space Solar
Solar Intensity
1,366 W/m2
No Night
Min Weather
Ground Solar
Solar Intensity
1,000 W/m2
Night Loss
Weather Loss

8. Sustainable Civilization
DoD, National, and International Impact Invest, Survive, Flourish and Grow – A Future History
Sustainable Civilization
Stable Population
Stable Climate
Demographic
Transition
Reduce Conflict
Reduce GHG
Stellar Probe
Less Poverty
Nations develop
Travel
Growth in GDP
Industrialization
Export Markets
Telecom
Hurricane
Diversion
Tourism
Clean Energy
Directed Energy
Asteroid
Defense
OMV
SBSP
Tether
Beamed
Propulsion
“Dredge Harbor”
Reusable
Launch Vehicle
ISRU
Wireless Power
Transmission
Space Radar
Traffic Control
Energy
Infrastructure

9. DoD, National, and International Impact SBSP Economic Opportunities
Energy Sales
U.S. Energy Companies & Utilities as Global Market Suppliers of Clean Energy
Space Access
Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) for Rapid/Low-Cost Space Access (<$500/kg)
Space Tourism / Travel
Lunar resource extraction/utilization following NASA exploration
Orbital Infrastructure
In-space Transport and Maintenance
Space Manufacturing Systems
Robotic Systems
Power Generation
High-efficiency/High-volume Space & Terrestrial Solar Collection Systems
Space & Terrestrial Power Distribution Technology
Wireless Power Beaming
Terrestrial Remote Power Transmission (Low-Cost Modern Infrastructure)
Continuous Electronics Re-Charge (Expanded Wireless Capabilities)
Enhanced Telecommunications Capabilities (Industrial & Personal)
Enhanced/Persistent Earth Monitoring (Radar Systems)

10. Space Access and Maneuver
DoD, National, and International Impact SBSP National Security Benefits
Space Access and Maneuver
RLV Development for Operationally Responsive Space
Increased technical readiness for Space Tethers
Surveillance
High Power and Large Aperture development for Space Radar
Space Structures
Higher efficiency and Lighter Weight Solar Cells
Increased technical readiness for Membrane & Solar Dynamic Structures
Industrial and Science & Technology Capabilities
Preservation of a Robust Aerospace Industry
Science and Engineering Educational emphasis
Advanced Robotics and Unmanned Systems
Operational Maneuver on Earth
Increased technical readiness for Direct Beaming of Transmitted Power
Electricity-to-Fuel Conversion competence

11. DoD, National, and International Impact DoD SBSP Energy Applications
24/7 Off-Grid Garrison Base Power
MW/day rectenna
24/7 Deployed Base Power & Fuel
5-8 MW continuous requirement
JP-8 via Sabatier & refining processes
Floating rectenna = sea base capability
Humanitarian/Nation Building Power
Defendable electrical power supply
Energy w/low infrastructure cost/time
Mobile Platform/Soldier Power
Direct beaming to air or seaborne platforms
Low-power beaming for soldier recharge
Enables permanent surveillance/ops
Space Applications
Satellite power/maneuver
Space-based radar
Debris de-orbit
Courtesy of Northrop Grumman
Courtesy of Raytheon

12. NASA Fresh-Look & SERT Studies
Capabilities and Challenges If this has been looked at before, what’s changed?
Technology!
40% Efficient Solar Cells!
Materials / Nanotechnology
Radar & Laser Technology
Robotics / In-Space
Construction & Servicing
Deployable / Gossamer
Structures
Thermal Protection
Tethers
NRC-Validated
NASA Fresh-Look & SERT Studies

13. Capabilities and Challenges If this has been looked at before, what’s changed?

14. Capabilities and Challenges Security & the Space Solar Power Option
Space Based Solar Power (SBSP) is an attractive long-term technology option that involves a compelling synergy between Energy Security, Space Security, and National Security
Japan, China, India & EU already see the potential
The most significant technical challenges are the development of
Low-cost re-usable space access
Demonstration of space-to-Earth power beaming
Efficient and light space-qualified solar arrays
Space Assembly, Maintenance and Servicing, and
Large in-space structures
These are in areas that already interest the DoD and others – and with modest departures to current R&D efforts could retire many of the technical barriers to Space-Based Solar Power

15. DoD, National, and International Impact Proposed Vision & Objectives of Space Solar Power
Assured Energy Security
for the U.S. and Its Allies
through Affordable & Abundant
Space Solar Power
with First Power within 25 years
- VISION -
The United States and Partners enable – within the next 20 years – the development and deployment of affordable Space Solar Power systems that assure the long-term, sustainable energy security of the U.S. and all mankind
Innovation that Creates Novel Technologies and Systems Enabling New, Highly Profitable Industries on Earth and in Space
Assured
U.S. Preeminence
in Space Access and Operations through Dramatic Advances in Transformational Space Capabilities

16. The Role of U.S. Government Leadership A Potential Action Plan
Space-Based Solar Power…
Should be re-evaluated for technical feasibility and deliverability in a strategically relevant period (other nations have stated goals & started R&D)
May offer significant & unique energy security benefits in an international context
Requires only a relatively modest additional investment to address key barriers
Represents a small departure from existing U.S. (DOD, DOE, NASA) programs…but involves tremendous synergies with other national goals
The U.S. may want to consider a major SBSP program
U.S. Government can play a significant role because its responsibilities and programs “straddle” energy, security, and space
Next Steps (Action Items/Options):
(A) NSSO initial situation-assessment architecture study through Sep 2007
(O) Sponsor a fast-paced directed ‘quick-look’ study (3-4 months; $500K)
(O) If the results are positive, a larger scale, ‘seedling-type’ study should be undertaken to add legitimacy (12 months: $2M)
(O) Results would inform a range of decisions by NLT 2009
(O) Form a national SBSP organization w/concept demos in 5-7 years

17. “Quick Look” Study [4-months, $500K] “Seedling” Study [12-months; $2M]
The Role of U.S. Government Leadership Development Steps for Consideration
“Quick Look” Study [4-months, $500K]
“State-of-the-art” review using existing NASA modeling tools
“Seedling” Study [12-months; $2M]
Technical, financial, environmental, organizational risk-retirement roadmaps
Identify legitimate SBSP development partner groups
Build a credible business case
Private/Public SBSP Corporation
Congressionally approved entity using successful Commsat model
Concept Demonstrations [5-7 years]
Should include international & entrepreneurial partnership where able
DARPA-led w/NASA, DOE, NSF & DoD collaboration
Ground-to-ground high-power microwave or laser transmission
Ground-to-aerostat-to-ground microwave or laser retransmission
LEO- and GEO-to-Earth power transmission
Space-to-space power transmission
Orbital maneuver & space infrastructure technologies
Low-cost space access technology development and flight demonstrations

18. DOE DoD NASA NSF DARPA Private Investment
The Role of U.S. Government Leadership Joining Government, Commercial, & Int’l SBSP Interests
DOE
Solar Cells
Terrestrial
Distribution
DoD
NASA
- VISION -
The United States and Partners enable – within the next 20 years – the development and deployment of affordable Space Solar Power systems that assure the long-term, sustainable energy security of the U.S. and all mankind
WPT
RLV
Space
Structures
Tethers
O&M
DARPA
Nat’l Labs; Academia
Robotics, Materials, Computational Intelligence,
Lasers, Chips, WPT…
NSF
Private Investment
Energy, Aerospace, Telecom, Venture…
International “Intelsat-Type” Corporation
Energy & Launch Services
”We Do These Things Not Because They Are Easy, but Because they Are Hard…”
- President John F. Kennedy

19. Environmental Security
Conclusion Space-Based Solar Power – A Strategic Opportunity for America
Energy Security
Environmental Security
SPACE-BASED SOLAR POWER
Economic Competitiveness
National Needs
Bring feasibility to the attention of nat’l leadership - highlight USG’s enabling role

20. Back-Up Slides

21. The Potential of Space Solar Power Broad Public Support
2002
2005
Space Goal
32%
35%
Build satellites in Earth orbit to collect solar energy to beam to utilities on Earth
23%
17%
Develop the technology to deflect asteroids or comets that might destroy the Earth 4%
10%
Send humans to Mars 2% 7%
Search for life on other planets 6%
Build a human colony in space 5%
Build a base on the moon for humans to use for exploration of the moon 3%
Develop a passenger rocket to send tourists into space
11%
None of the above, we should stop spending money on space
13%
No Opinion 1%
None of the above
Over the years, a number of goals have been proposed for the U.S. space program including missions to Mars (Zubrin 1996), space colonization (O'Neill 1976), a return to the moon (Spudis 1996), and space tourism (David 2004). The purpose of this exploratory study was to measure the level of public interest in different space goals.
Two goals stood out far beyond all others. The first of these goals was developing the capability of using Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) or space energy to meet the nation's energy needs. In percent, nearly 1/3 of the respondents, supported this goal. In 2005, 35 percent, again nearly 1/3 of respondents, supported the development of SBSP. The second goal that appeared to receive broad support was developing the technology to deflect asteroids or comets that might threaten the Earth with impact (planetary defense).
2002 Survey - National Space Goals
Matula & Loveland, 2006

22. SBSP is most like Hydroelectric
High Capital Costs
Long Payback
No Fossil Fuel Feed
Renewable
2.07 GW (peak)
High Capital Costs
Long Payback
No Fossil Fuel Feed
Renewable
2.5 GW (sustained)

23. How big is the SBSP resource?
363 TW-yrs
Total area of a cylinder of 1km width and perimeter at GEO (w*2*pi*r). In reality, you would not build a ring, and individual powersats could be turned normal to the Sun. However a ring establishes the max upper limit of energy and is a good approximation. For a ring, max limit of actual radiation available in a 1km band must be reduced by self-shielding (pi/2), and perhaps worst inclination degrees (cosine of 23 degrees = .92)
Remaining Oil Reserve of TBBL
= TW-yrs
More and more of this oil will have to be used to recover remaining reserves
~250 TW-yrs
~212TW-yrs
Annual World Energy Demand
(All Forms)
All Recoverable Oil
Annual energy Available
in just 1 km of GEO
50 TW (2050)
30 TW (2025)
Annual Energy-to-Grid On-Earth 21 TW assuming 10% Solar-to-Grid of 1 km
15 TW (2007)
Annual Oil Production ~8TW-yr

24. Drilling Up: How large is the GEO solar resource?
1km
1 year x 1 km wide band
≈ 212 TW-years
All Remaining Oil Resource
≈ 250 TW-years
Every Kilometer-wide band at GEO receives nearly as much energy per annum as the content of the entire remaining oil 1.28 T BBls of oil remaining

25. How many 5GW SPS would it take to displace generating capacity?
Nigeria 1
North Korea 1.5
Burma 1.5
U.S.A. Annual Growth 1-2
Venezuela 4
Thailand 5
Mexico 10
South Korea 10
Africa 20
India 23
Japan 52
China 68
U.S.A. Base-Load 69
OECD Europe 150
U.S.A. Total Capacity 200
World Today 742
Electric Gen only
World ,000
All Energy for projected population at Developed Lifestyle (50TW)
1 TW Generating Capacity. In 2003, Average Electric consumption was .49 of capacity (443/905). Annual Load curve for New York State shows min power demand .69 of average. 1TWx.49x.69=345GW estimated US Base Load /5G per powersat =

26. The Limits of SBPS 5 GW Assuming Each SPS delivers 5GW:
It would require up to 4 SPS to built per year to meet current annual growth in US Electrical Demand (2% of 1 TW, or 20 GW)
It would require 200 SPS to replace current US Generating Capacity of 1 TW (70% Fossil Fuels, 50% Coal)
It would require 742 SPS to meet today’s World Electrical Demand of 3.7TW, spaced one every 357 km
It would require 10 to replace current generating capacity of Mexico or South Korea;1 for Nigeria, 4 for venezuela, 5 Thailand, 20 doubles all africa,
It would require 10,000 SPS to meet the Total Energy Demand of the World in 2100, estimated to be 50TW (50,000GW, or 5KWe for each of 10 billion people)

27. A New Approach Space Power Feasibility Evolution
Study
ESA
Japan METI / JASDA Study
DC-X
X-33
RLV
TAV
NASA/NSF
JIETSBSP
NASA Fresh Look
NASA / DOE studies
NASA
SERT
Peter Glaser Proposes
Reference Design
NRC
NRC Report

28. Does this look like an energy project to you?=
$.7 – 1.2B first unit cost
($6-10B Development)
$1 - 5B
It should. Think of an RLV as an energy mining platform.
The way to energy security is through space.