According to a NASA report, space-based solar power (SBSP) systems could be operational by 2050. The report also states that SBSP would transmit energy to Earth stations between 2050 and 2080, and that maintenance would occur between 2060 and 2080.
However, the report also states that SBSP would be more expensive than terrestrial sustainable alternatives and would generate similar emissions as those on Earth. The report says that RD1 costs $0.61 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and RD2 $1.59 per kWh, which is much higher than the $0.02 to $0.05 range for terrestrial renewables. The report also says that launch and manufacturing dominate lifecycle emissions, with intensities of 26 and 40 grams CO2 equivalent per kWh.
Some researchers say NASA’s analysis is too pessimistic.
Most interestingly, if the technological cards are played right, SBSP could be the most carbon-efficient, lowest-cost power source for humanity by 2050. To be clear, there are a lot of hurdles to overcome to get to that point, but first, let’s start with what the report looked at
According to a NASA report, space-based solar power (SBSP) systems could be operational by 2050 if technological advancements and cost reductions are achieved. However, the report also states that SBSP will be more expensive than terrestrial sustainable alternatives and generate similar emissions as those on earth.
SBSP systems are operated in GEO from 2050-2080, by transmitting energy to one or more stations on Earth. Maintenance, which entails developing, launching, and assembling new spacecraft modules, occurs between 2060-2080.
According to a NASA report, SBSP could become the most carbon-efficient and lowest-cost power source by 2050. It could offer a sustainable and abundant energy supply, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and help mitigate climate change by minimizing carbon emissions.
The SBSP systems are operated in GEO from 2050-2080, by transmitting energy to one or more stations on Earth. Maintenance, which entails developing, launching, and assembling new spacecraft modules, occurs between 2060-2080
Space-based solar power (SBSP) works by using solar panels to collect solar energy in space. The panels are equipped with reflectors or inflatable mirrors that direct solar radiation onto solar cells or heaters for thermal systems
The solar panels absorb sunlight 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without interference from the atmosphere. The energy collected can then be used to power the same device, a space station, or transported back to Earth.
SBSP works by:
- Using photovoltaic panels on a satellite in space to convert the sun’s energy to electromagnetic waves at microwave frequencies
- Beaming the microwave energy to a receiver on Earth
- Converting the microwave energy into direct current SBSP can potentially yield eight times more power than solar panels at any location on the surface of the globe.
Space-based solar power has several limitations, including:
- Cost: Building and launching the infrastructure for space-based solar power plants is expensive.
- Technological challenges: Space-based solar power plants require advanced technologies for wireless power transmission, which are still in development.
- Hazards: Outer space provides many potential hazards to the solar panels, including space debris, space dust, asteroids, and extreme solar radiation. Extreme solar radiation could degrade the solar panels up to 8 times faster than panels installed on Earth.
- Energy transmission: Challenges such as energy transmission need to be addressed for the realization of space-based solar energy.
- International cooperation: Challenges such as international cooperation need to be addressed for the realization of space-based solar energy.
- Batteries: The need for batteries to store power during periods of eclipse.
- Effects of radiation: The effects of radiation on solar panels.
- Launch and maintenance: The cost and complexity of launch and maintenance.
According to GreenMatch, space-based solar power (SBSP) has a high potential to be a viable future for solar power. SBSP has the potential to revolutionize clean energy production. It can provide a steady and robust energy supply because solar energy is captured in space, where it is more intense and uninterrupted by Earth’s atmospheric conditions.
According to a NASA study, space solar power beaming could be feasible soon, within two decades. The CalTech Space Solar Power Project (SSPP) launched in early 2023 with a package of prototype components that could be used in orbital solar farms. China has plans for a station with commercial generation capacity as early as the 2030s.
According to a NASA study, policy makers should develop a 5-kW demonstration mission by 2028, and a 1-MW system by 2035. In 2022, a report by the European Space Agency says that space-based solar shouldn’t be seen as a competitor to Earth-bound solar farms.
In June 2023, Caltech launched a space solar power prototype that can wirelessly transmit power in space and beam power to Earth
It also showed that tapping into technologies under development today by NASA’s global partners could make space solar power beaming feasible soon — within two decades. And because pieces of this promising technology are currently or soon to be available, development requires no miracles — just commitment
According to a 2021 report, the global space-based solar power market was valued at $455 million. In 2022, the market size was estimated at $519.1 million. According to a 2022–2029 forecast, the market is expected to reach $848.43 million by 2029
According to EnergySage, China has the largest solar market worldwide, while California has the largest in the US. China has been the world’s top solar power country since 2015, when it surpassed Germany. China is the world’s largest market for both photovoltaics and solar thermal. In 2022, China added 87.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar power, taking its cumulative installed capacity to 392.43 GW, which is 37.5% of the global market.
The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for the global solar cell market, with a 39.95% share of the market revenue in 2022. The Asia Pacific region is also the fastest-growing market for solar energy storage systems, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.5% from 2021 to 2028.
Japan is the world leader in the photovoltaic market, manufacturing 45% of the world’s photovoltaic cells
Please like subscribe comment your precious thoughts on universe discoveries
Full article source google
Best travel products on heavy discount on Amazon
Universe discoveries 