Space Solar Power: An Assessment of Challenges and Progress

The capability to generate power in space for transmission to terrestrial markets is a long-term visionary goal that embodies a wide range of technical challenges. Space solar-power (SSP) systems will be very large, but they must be affordable if they are to be developed some day. Addressing the technologies required to construct gigawattclass, commercial "solar-power satellites" in the distant future can open many other applications opportunities in space and on Earth in the near future. Technical hurdles have been explored and characterized by NASAʹs recent SSP Exploratory Research and Technology Program. The strategic technology areas examined include solar power generation; wireless power transmission; onboard power management and distribution; structural concepts, materials, and controls; and others. Important progress has been achieved since major space power system studies were conducted in the 1970s. However, significant and highly challenging research and technology development must be conducted successfully across a wide range of areas so that affordable and abundant SSP can be realized.