Is the future of renewable energy in space? Japan is investing in a Space Solar Power System (SSPS), via the Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer (USEF), to put an enormous solar power station into space.
The plan is to develop the technology needed to put a commercial 1GW power station in geo-synchronous orbit by 2030. Initially, a low earth orbit 100kW technology demonstrator is proposed followed by 10MW and 250MW demonstrators before deploying the full-scale version.
The concept SSPS is planned to generate 1.6GW and transmit an average of 1GW of energy back to Earth. The enormous solar space structure would be comprised of a 2.6km x 2.4km (1.6 miles x 1.5 miles) power generation/transmission panel tethered to a central bus system located 10km (6.2 miles) away and using the gravity gradient to help stabilize the spacecraft in orbit. The structure has 100m x 100m x 0.1m (328ft x 328ft x 0.3ft) sub-panels with 1sq.m (10.8sq.ft) solar cells and microwave modules. A wireless signal interface is used to minimize harness connections.
USEF estimates that the lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions for the operational SSPS per unit of power generated will be equivalent to nuclear power and is much lower than for fossil fuels. The cost is estimated at around US$21 billion.
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