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Space Solar Power Status and Recent Progress

15 November 2011 John C. Mankins President, Artemis Innovation Management Solutions LLC Past Chair, International Academy of Astronautics Commission III Santa Maria, California USA

Introduction

Challenges for Energy for the US National security strategy to reduce reliance on foreign petroleum Affordable and assured power for US Government, Defense and Commercial Operations when and where needed
o o o

CONUS Globally In Forward Areas

Power for ambitious future Government / Commercial Space Operations / Missions Energy effectiveness and efficiency for soft power outreach to US international partners, allies, and those in need
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The Vision of Space Solar Power


Affordable and Abundant Solar Power in Space (Up to MW and Greater)
Clean, safe, affordable and virtually limitless solar energy On Demand, 24/7

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What Impact Will Success Have? DOD / Security


Revolutionary new energy systems / technology to support US DoD / Security projected missions in the mid-term (FY2016-20) and far term (FY2021-30)
o o

Space applications @ 1 MW and greater within 6-10 years Ground applications @ MW (~ 10-15 yrs) to GW (~15-20 yrs) Globally dispatchable and affordable power for DOD bases / operations at levels ranging from MW to GW Secure, uninterruptable power for remote assets Infrastructures / Technology Diverse New System Capabilities (succeed or fail in commercial power vision) Space MW and greater for future space operations, low cost inspace transportation, arbitrarily large apertures, ISAAC, etc. Cyber deployment of selected assets in space vs. ground Air Radiant energy / WPT driven Synthetic Fuel Production
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Primary Impact: Ground Power


o

Secondary Impacts:
o

o o

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What Impact Will Success Have? Strategic Impacts


SPS systems would deliver MW (@ $2-$3 per kWh) to GW (@ 10-20 per kWh) to more than 80% of Earth s surface / 95% of Earth s population and throughout near-Earth Space

US Energy Security
o

Support for the national security strategy to reduce reliance on foreign petroleum, and provide an assured energy advantage Establish a new, & scalable option for commercial markets, including peak power, and baseload power markets (up to 100s GW and more) Critical outreach to international partners, allies, and those in need (e.g., in disaster relief, economic development, etc.) Energy-rich operations for space exploration & science; dramatic improvements in commercial satellite services; core capabilities in advanced propulsion, in-orbit servicing, and in-orbit refueling

US Commercial Markets
o

US International Relations / Soft Power


o

US Civil / Commercial Space Activities


o

US Aerospace STEM / Competencies / Workforce


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Background

1979 SPS Reference Concept in GEO

SSP Foundations: 1980

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pg. 8 Artemis Innovat ion Manag

Mass Production of Highly Modular Elements

A New Approach to Large Space Systems

Large systems, assembled out of identical intelligent (and reconfigurable) elements, have the potential to radically reduce the cost of space operations--for the right applications Assemble SPS from a small number (e.g., 5-7) of distinct systems modules, these mass produced

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Wireless Power Transmission Tests (2008-2010)

Recent SSP/WPT Progress

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International Activities & the IAA Study

2007-2011 Overview of Activities Internationally


NSSO
2007 Study

Space Solar Power Systems and Related R&D

DOD
Energy IPT
DDR&E ?

ONRNRL Study USAF W/S AFRL?

Space Investment Summits

LMSC
Boeing

Northop Grumman

Others ?

Planetary Power

Solaren

Space Island

DARPA

Planning F-6

DSB
Energy Reprot

Raytheon

TEXAS GHP

Energy Innovation University NIAC University of of Strathclyde


Houston

Artemis

Space

NREL

EADS
SSPS Project

JSC
ISS Expts

SBIR NIAC

SBIR

DOE
SET P
ARPA-E

SNLA PNL

NASA
JPL GRC

OCT

Basic Energy Sciences

Space Solar Power Systems


Relevant Activities

Auburn Univ. Texas A&M Univ.

U of Vienna U of Glasgow

ESA
SSP

Adv. Concepts Team


Studies

Others ?

University of Tokyo
Discovery Channel / Managed Energy WPT Expt

Kobe University

IECEC Session

MIT
Internal SSP W/S Foundation For the Future W/S

NSF
Solar R&D

JAXA
SSP Related R&D

Mitsubishi

AIAA

Power Committee

Kyoto University

IAA
IAA Comm, 3 Study Group

SPS 2009
SPACE CANADA

SSP Alliance

IAF
NSS & ISDC
2008

Space Power Association (Sunsat)

ISTS
2008

USEF
SSP Studies USEF/ CSP Japan
Euro SSP Assessment

China
Italy
?

SRR

JUSTSAP ?

India

UAE?

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IAA Study OVERVIEW


During 2008-2010, the International Academy of Astronautics conducted the first International Assessment of the concept of Space Solar Power Primary Goals
o

Determine what role solar energy from space might play in meeting the rapidly growing need for abundant and sustainable energy during the coming decades, Assess the technological readiness and risks associated with the SSPS concept, and (if appropriate) Frame a notional international roadmap that might lead the realization of this visionary concept. Identify and evaluate opportunities for synergies (if any) between the prospective benefits of SSP technology and systems for space missions and SSPS for terrestrial markets. Identify the opportunities to introduced extraterrestrial materials into an SSPS industry and assess potential connections between international lunar exploration programs now being undertaken and SSPS.

In addition
o

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Study Approach
Study Goals and Objectives Formulation of Global Scenarios for Energy & Environment

Identification of SPS Figures of Merit (FOMs)

Formulation of Limits Analysis


(KPPs and Sums)

Identification of SPS Trade Space


(Architecture Level)

Definition of SPS Cases

SPS Workshop (SPS 2009)

Presented Papers Presented Papers Presented Papers

(KPPs, Boundaries & Sensitivity Curves)

Limits Analysis

Cosmic Study Report Formulation

Focused Studies

Systems Concepts
Systems Analysis Results (Cost Estimation, Limits, Curves)

SPS

Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment

Supporting Systems
Earth-to-Orbit Transportation In-Space Transportation
In-Space Assy, Maintenance & Servicing Ground Energy & Interface Systems

SPS

SPS Technology Demo Options


Terrestrial Low Earth Orbit
Geostationary Earth Orbit

SPS Roadmap

SSPS Policy Considerations


Market Assessments and Economic Studies

Space Applications
(Space Science, Earth Science, Others) (e..g, Education, Commercial, Qual of Life)

Other Benefits

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SSP Reference Mission(s)

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IAA Study: Space Solar Power THREE CASES

Artwork:
SpaceWorks Engineering Inc.

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Systems Analysis Wireless Power Transmission - Spectrum

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Systems Analysis Space Transportation ETO System Options

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Integrated Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
SPS PLATFORM GENERIC TECHNOLOGY RQTS

SPS SYSTEM CONCEPT SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Class A

Class B

SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE TECH RQTS

Class C

!Wave Classic !Wave Amplifiers (FET, magnetron, etc.) High Voltage PMAD High Power Rotating Couplers Light Weight Large Area PV! Moderate Temp Thermal Mgt! !

!Wave Sandwich FET Amplifiers Highly Modular Low Voltage PMAD Low mass Optics (w/ Reflectors) High Temperature Electronics! Moderate Temp Thermal Mgt! !

Laser WPT Solid State Diode Lasers Mid- to HighVoltage PMAD Near-Visible Beam Expanders Large, Lightweight Structural Systems In-Space Assembly & Construction (Robotics / Interfaces) Reusable Launch Vehicles (High TW Engines, TPS, Hot Structures, etc.) Affordable In-Space Transportation (High TW Engines, TPS, EP, etc.) In-Space Refueling (Cryogens, EP Fuels, etc.)

DRAFT

Modular GN&C / Avionics Modular CMD / Communications High-Efficiency Photovoltaics Radiation Tolerant Electronics Radiation Tolerant Photovoltaics

High Temperature Electronics! High Temp Thermal Mgt! !

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Summary Results for SPS Type-Specific Technology

Integrated Technology Readiness & Risk Assessment

SPS Type-II
SPS Type-I
SPS Type-III

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DRAFT Overall SPS Concept Evaluation Results DRAFT

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IAA Recommended SSP Technology Roadmap

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What Could be Done?

How Would a Program be Organized?


Build on past successful demonstrations of ground breadboards, and sounding rocket tests Program Approach:
o o o

Establish the foundational architecture for hyper-modular SPS Advance critical component technologies (continuing effort) Demonstrations at successive levels of maturity, using emerging technologies on ground, in air and in space Ongoing systems analysis / engineering to guide R&D investments Analytical verification, supported by key technology / component tests Initial ground demonstration of prototype modular systems; LEO demonstration of a subscale demo satellite; and GEO demonstration of an operational pilot plant

Achieved in four confirmable stages:


o o o o

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What Are the Risks? Technical


o o o o o o o

Waste Heat Component Efficiencies Platform Mass SAMS ETO Cost In-Space Transport Cost Autonomy

Programmatic
o o o

Policy
o o

Spectrum Allocation ITAR / International Coordination Commercial-Government Partnerships

Weaponization Orbital Debris

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What Would be the Major Milestones & Costs?


7-15 Years from Today: Pilot Systems @ 10 MW and greater

1-2 Years from Today


o

5-7 Years from Today


o

2-4 Years from Today


o

End-to-End Systems Studies, Critical Proof-of-Functionality Demonstration (TRL 5) Projected Total Cost: $10M Integrated Systems Design Studies, Supporting Technology Experiments / Demos, LEO SPS Flight Demo Designs, LEO-GEO transport Concepts, and GEO SPS Demonstration Concepts Projected Total Cost: $10M (Systems Design Studies), $150M$50M (Remainder)

7-15 Years from Today


o

Further Technology Advancements, Major Ground Demos, LEO SPS Flight Demos @ ~ 100 kW, LEO-GEO Transport Demos, GEO SPS Demo Designs, Very Low-Cost ETO Concepts Projected Total Cost: $750M $250M Further Technology Advancements, LEO-GEO Transport Operational, GEO SPS Demonstration @ ~ 10 MW delivered, Very Low-Cost ETO Designs Projected Total Cost: $10B

10-20 Years from Today: Commercial Systems @ 1 GW and greater


Development of Very Low-Cost ETO Systems, Begin Operational SPS Systems Deployment Potential Cost: TBD
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Back-Up Slides

FINDINGS (1 of 2)
Finding 1: Fundamentally new energy technologies clearly appear to be needed during the coming decades under all examined scenarios both to support continued (and sustainable) global economic growth, and for reasons of environmental/climate concerns. Solar energy from space appears to be a promising candidate that can contribute to address these challenges. Finding 2: Solar Power Satellites appear to be technically feasible as soon as the coming 10-20 years using technologies existing now in the laboratory (at low- to moderate- TRL) that could be developed / demonstrated (depending on the systems concept details). Finding 3: Economically viable Solar Power Satellites appear achievable during the next 1-3 decades, but more information is needed concerning both the details of potential system costs and the details of markets to be served. Finding 4: An in-depth end-to-end systems analysis of SSP/SPS is necessary to understand more fully the interactions among various systems / technologies for different concepts and markets; however, no such study has been performed since the conclusion of NASA s Fresh Look Study in 1997. Finding 5: Low-cost Earth-to-orbit transportation is an enabling capability to the economic viability of space solar power for commercial baseload power markets
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FINDINGS (2 of 2)
Finding 6: Systems studies are not enough. Technology Flight Experiments (TFEs) to test critical technology elements and Technology Flight Demonstrations (TFD) that validate SPS systems concepts to a high level of maturity ( TRL 7 ) appear to be essential in order to build confidence among engineers, policy makers, and the public and allow space solar power technology maturation and SPS deployment to proceed. Finding 7: Architectural approaches that most efficiently and seamlessly integrate energy delivered from SPS into existing terrestrial energy networks are likely to be the most successful. (The same is true for any transformational new energy technology.) Finding 8: The SPS concept is sufficiently transformational and entails enough technical uncertainties such that major systems level in-space demonstrations will be necessary to establish technical feasibility, engineering characteristics and economical viability before any organization is likely to proceed with full-scale development. Finding 9: A variety of key policy-related and regulatory issues must be resolved before systems-level demonstrations particularly space based tests of SPS and WPT can be implemented

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RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendation 1: Both government-supported and commercially funded SSP systems analysis studies should be undertaken that have sufficient end-to-end breadth and detail to fully resolve the R&D goals and objectives that must be achieved to establish the viability of SSP. Recommendation 2: Future economic analyses should examine the potential role of non-space related government and international funding agencies in contributing to the development of SPS. Recommendation 3: Government and commercial organizations should consider undertaking SSP and related technology R&D, including platform systems and supporting infrastructures (e.g., ETO, in-space transportation, in-space operations). Recommendation 4: The necessary policy and regulatory steps to enable SPS/WPT and related R&D to be conducted leading to systems-level demonstrations should be undertaken in the near term by government, commercial and other interested organizations. Recommendation 5: International organizations, such as the International Academy of Astronautics, should play a constructive role in fostering and guiding future SSP/SPS studies, technology developments and policy deliberations
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