By 
January 12th, 2024
Image credit: NASA
NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy has released a long-awaited study from the space agency, one that sheds light on the future prospects of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP).
Beaming power from space has been studied for decades. Over the last several years, other nations have also been studying the idea – including Europe and China.
“Our work identified several policy and technology challenges that would need to be addressed to advance SBSP. While these challenges are not unique to SBSP systems, the scale required to fully implement an SBSP system requires forethought,” the NASA review of SBSP states.
NASA technologies
“Our research indicates NASA is developing technologies with broad applicability to a wide suite of future mission needs and enable SBSP as well,” the report explains.
Image credit: NASA
“However, we view SBSP as a use case for these technologies, not a driver for NASA’s development programs. We recommend that NASA stay abreast of outside SBSP developments and requirements as it matures the technologies needed for its missions. NASA could maintain its awareness in part by repeating this study at different scales of effort every three to five years,” adds the report.
The NASA SBSP report also concludes that NASA should continue to “monitor and maintain awareness” of ongoing developments in Space-Based Solar Power. “This option does not require any changes to NASA’s budget allocations.”
To access the new report, go to:
Posted in Space News
