Abstract
This chapter suggests several strategic designs for future Sunsats, to include substantially larger photovoltaic arrays in space, solar concentrators, energy converters, wireless power transmitters and power beaming. Technical feasibility and some key technology challenges are addressed, including suitable orbits for Sunsat placement and managing the space environment.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Belvin, W. K., J. T. Dorsey, & J. J. Watson. 2010. Solar power satellite development: Advances in modularity and mechanical systems. Online Journal of Space Communication. http://spacejournal.ohio.edu/issue16/belvin.html. Accessed 1 May 2011. Adapted from a paper delivered to the International Symposium on Solar Energy from Space, Toronto, Canada, September 8–10, 2009.
Glaser, P. G., F. P. Davidson, & K. I. Csigi. 1968. Solar power satellites—The emerging energy option. New York: Ellis Horwood.
Hsu, F. 2010. Harnessing the sun: Embarking on humanity’s next giant leap. Online Journal of Space Communication. http://spacejournal.ohio.edu/issue16/hsu.html. Accessed 22 February 2011.
Landis, G. A. 2004. Reinventing the solar power satellite. NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA/TM-2004-212743. http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/GLTRS/browse.pl?2004/TM-2004-212743.html. Accessed 15 May 2011.
Mankins, J. C. 1997. A fresh look at space solar power: New architectures, concepts and technologies. Lecture given at the 38th International Astronautical Federation. 1AF-97-R.2.03.
NASA. 1999. (reported by) http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/solar-energy-beamed-down-space-lasers/17556. Accessed September 12, 2011.
Potter, D., M. Bayer, D. Davis, A. Born, D. McCormick, L. Dorazio, & P. Patel. Space solar power satellite alternatives and architectures. 2009. AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Orlando, Florida, 5–8 January 2009.
Space Energy Group. 2011. Corporate Overview. http://www.spaceenergy.com/About/About.htm. Accessed 25 May 2011.
Tesla, N. 1892. Experiments with alternate currents of high potential and high frequency. Address to the Institution of Electrical Engineers, February 1892, London, England. http://www.tfcbooks.com/tesla/1892-02-03.htm. Accessed 16 May 2011.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Don M. Flournoy
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Flournoy, D. (2012). What Will Sunsats Look Like?. In: Solar Power Satellites. SpringerBriefs in Space Development. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2000-2_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2000-2_3
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-1999-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-2000-2
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)