SSPI approach:
• Enabling technologies developed at Caltech
• Ultra-light deployable space structures
• High efficiency ultra-light photovoltaic (PV)
• Phased Array and Power Transmission
• Integration of concentrating PV, radiators, MW power conversion and antennas in single cell unit
• Localized electronics and control for system robustness, electronic beam steering
• Identical spacecraft flying in formation
• Target is specific power over 2000 Watts per kilogram. This would cost competitive with ground-based power
NASA Studies
NASA selected five new research proposals to understand the effective drivers of investments in the global space economy, encouraging non-traditional companies, as well as traditional aerospace companies, to look beyond satellites for new opportunities in commercial space development.
Planetary Resource Engineering LLC – studying asteroid and lunar based resources for lowering the cost
MIT – developing a Commercial Space Technology Roadmap
Vision Foresight Strategy LLC (Honolulu) – modeling the impact of space weather
Colorado School of Mines (Golden, Colorado) examining 21st Century Trends in Space-Based Solar Power Generation and Storage.
University of Illinois, Urbana (Urbana, Illinois) studies “An Integrated Framework and Tool for Effective Participation of Commercial Enterprise in Space Development.”
Current state of the Art – Megaflex, Roll-out array and stretched lens
MegaFex has 350 kilowatt array
The Megaflex array has 350 kilowatt space based solar power arrays.
ROSA – Roll out solar array
In June 2017, there was a week of successful science operations on the experiment for the Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA). They could not retract and latch the array. NASA jettisoned ROSA directly from its current location at the end of the space station’s robotic arm, where it was fully deployed in a normal configuration. The original plan called for ROSA to be stored back inside the trunk of SpaceX’s Dragon which is detached and burned up in the atmosphere during Dragon reentry. ROSA is an experiment to test a new type of solar panel that rolls open in space and is more compact than current rigid panel designs.
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.