Power Plant Construction and QA/QC Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space Engineering Technology Division

2 Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space Overview Global Economy is Changing Increased use of Fossil Fuels Effects Ecology Growing World Population – 6,970,000,000 2 to 3 kW per person by 2050 Need for Inexhaustible and Environmentally Friendly Energy

3 Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space Wireless Power Transmission Nicola Tesla – 1902 Wardenclyffe, New York Attempted to 1914

4 Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space Wireless Power Transmission Attempted in 1964 and was successful Attempted in 1975 and transmitted microwave power 1 mile to receiving antenna

5 Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space Wireless Power Transmission Attempted in 1987 Stationary High Altitude Platform 5.8 GHz, 500 kW Attempted in 1994 Electron Beam – from MIR to Satellite miles - Russia

6 Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space Solar Power Plant in Space

7 Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space Solar Power Plant in Space Technology Challenges Low-Cost, Environmentally-Friendly Launch Vehicles - Cheaper, cleaner launch vehicles are needed. Large Scale In-Orbit Construction and Operations - To gather massive quantities of energy, solar power satellites must be large. Power Transmission - Small effort is needed to assess how to best transmit power from satellites to the Earth’s surface High Development Cost - Space solar power development costs will be very large. Potential Health and Safety Impacts – Flora and Fauna Life Cycle Costs – 50 years vs.??? Location Competition – GEO population

8 Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space Solar Power Plant in Space Power Relay System

9 Questions? Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space