Space-Based Solar Power
What is Space-Based Solar Power?
Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) comprises a constellation of satellites in space, collecting solar power and beaming it securely to receivers either on the Earth or in space. Its main attribute is the ability to deliver clean, baseload energy to Earth, day and night throughout the year and in all weathers.
Value of SBSP
- 24/7 Solar Energy: Provides uninterrupted power by capturing sunlight in Earth orbit, free from weather, day-night cycles, or seasons and transmitting it wirelessly to ground.
- Energy Independence & Security: Diversify clean energy sources and mitigate risks such as transmission bottlenecks and other vulnerabilities in a centralized infrastructure.
- Grid Resilience: Offers on-demand, disaster-resilient power, stabilizing grids during energy shortages and provides energy for highly power intensive applications.
- Zero-Carbon Energy: SBSP generates clean, emission-free baseload energy, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas reduction.
- Global Reach: Provides energy to remote, developing or underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult or costly to build, closing access gaps globally.
- Economic Growth: SBSP development drives innovation in space, materials, and wireless power transmission technologies, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
- Strategic Advantage: Nations leading SBSP will gain geopolitical leadership, reduce energy dependency risks, become net exporters of clean energy and reduce global fossil fuel reliance.
Issues Needing Congressional Help
- Is the power grid in your district ready to accept new technology like SBSP?
- Is the FCC prepared to help adopt Spectrum use for SBSP?
- Which agency is best adapted to regulate Space-Based Solar Power Satellites?
- Which agency is best adapted to regulate Ground Stations?
- Are there existing grid interface stations that are ready to add SBSP receiving stations?
- How is the DOD ready to protect and utilize SBSP?
- Why does the DOE not have any active SBSP projects currently?
- Who should the key point people be at specific agencies to work on SBSP projects?
- What is the funding status of SSPIDR? Who is going to do a follow-on to SSPIDR?
