Power for Commercial Space Applications

Since the proposed space station is intended to be a permanent installation, used in part by commercial organizations, its design requirements differ fundamentally from those in previous manned spacecraft. In particular, commercialization on a significant scale depends critically on the ability to control capital and operational costs, including the cost of energy, and this demands new approaches to systems such as the power supply for the space station. These considerations suggest guidelines for power plant development. The cost of energy in space, guidelines for power supply development, quality standards, and the role of government are discussed.