Solar power satellite status reportThe development of a solar power satellite program is considered. It is suggested that the solar power satellite is an engineering rather than a science program - that is, that no scientific breakthroughs are required before initiating the project. Available technology is examined, and several key questions are discussed: how efficient is microwave transfer of energy; how feasible is construction in space; and will the advantages of continuous insolation compensate for the costs of building a solar power plant in synchronous orbit 23,000 miles above the earth.
Document ID
19780034841
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Davis, H. P. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1977
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Meeting Information
Meeting: Conference on Solar Energy in the Southwest ''77