New solar array technologies (e.g. ROSA, FAST, Ultraflex) could provide the power for a high-‐power SEP stage (with specific powers of 130-‐220 W/kg).
Space Solar array technology has been doubling every four years.
There are other potentials for more radical improvement in space capabilities, but this incremental scaling up and improvement of what has already flown in space.
The Japanese Ikaros satellite, a solar sail, is producing power at about 0.8 kg/kw [1250 watts per kg, 5 to 10 times better than what the SEP stage can do) for the power production system. This extremely low value is accomplished by using a heliogyro thin film solar sail design, which has no structure, and thin film solar cells on part of the surface. Given reasonable improvements in thin film solar cells this figure could be 0.16 kg/kw [6250 watts per kg or 28 times better than the 220 watts per kg expectation for 2020] for power production, not including other parts of the satellite.
If you liked this article, please give it a quick review on ycombinator or StumbleUpon. Thanks
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.