Space Solar: A Transformational Opportunity for A Cool Earth
Transcript of Space Solar: A Transformational Opportunity for A Cool Earth
Space Solar: A Transformational
Opportunity for A Cool Earth
5-6 October 2016 At the Innovation for a Cool Earth in Tokyo, Japan
John C. Mankins
Mankins Space Technology, Inc.
Santa Maria, California
Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
Why do we Need New / Sustainable Energy Sources?
pg. 2
• Population, Quality of Life, CO2, Climate …
Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
The Vision of Space Solar Power Affordable / Dispatchable Solar Energy 24-7-365
Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
How is it Done Today?
Current Space Systems Architectures
pg. 4
Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
How is it Done Today?
1979 SPS Reference Concept in GEO
pg. 5
Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
How is it Done Today?
Some More Recent SPS Concepts: 1997-2010
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Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
A New Architectural Approach
Hyper-Modular Networked Systems
Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
Solar Power Satellite via Arbitrarily Large Phased Array
SPS-ALPHA Mk-II Description
• SPS-ALPHA Mk-II incorporates a novel optical
configuration that eliminates the new for extremely large
pointing mirrors (and associated “single points of failure”)
• SPS-ALPHA Mk-II intelligent modular elements include
the following:
o Interconnect Modules: micro-spacecraft that serve to connect
everything
o Deployable Structure Modules: deployable structural “beams”
o SPG Module: local solar power generation, with local power
management and distribution (PMAD)
o WPT Module: a microwave wireless power transmission
system based on the retro-directive phased array approach
o Deployable Reflector Modules: large thin-film reflectors
o Modular Autonomous Robotic Equipment: robots providing all
manipulation
o Propulsion and Attitude Control Modules; use of Reflectors as
“sails” for station-keeping
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Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
SPS-ALPHA: A Hyper-Modular Architecture
One Architecture – Evolution to the ”Mark II”
Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
SPS-ALPHA Mk-II Performance (Current Est.)
• Power delivered > 2 GW
• Mass in GEO at ~ 9200 MT @ ~$11.4B
• Cost of Electricity ~3 ¢ kWh, with ETO @
$600 / kg
• Economic Lifetime @ 30 years (assumed)
• With various “moderate” advancement
assumptions for key performance
parameters / technologies
Space Solar Power: SPS-ALPHA
Mankins Space Technology Inc. © 2016 5-6 October 2016
Closing Observations
• There is an urgent need to mitigate the looming risk of climate change
while meeting the energy demands of increasing populations and
improving economic conditions
• In the judgment of many experts, these potentially-conflicting goals are
unlikely to be accomplished solely through the use of already-existing
technologies
• Among other technologies, solar power satellites (SPS) remain one of
the most promising, but as yet largely undeveloped options to
accomplish these goals
• A novel concept, the updated SPS via Arbitrarily Large Phased Array
(“SPS-ALPHA Mark-II”) presents a realistic opportunity to accomplish
space solar – delivering 100s of gigawatts of carbon-free energy by mid-
century.
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