SPS cost methodology and sensitivities

A total solar power satellite is defined and costs for such a program estimated. The program is assumed to consist of a number of phases from initial research to the completed production unit. Each phase represents an increasing commitment of resources as confidence in the ultimate success of the program grows. The total cost of the program through the first full-scale unit is estimated to be slightly over 100 billion dollars. The subsequent units are estimated to cost an average of 11.5 billion dollars per unit.