- Nov 11, 2019
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It sounds like science fiction.
Solar power stations in space could be the answer to our energy needs : Read more
Solar power stations in space could be the answer to our energy needs : Read more
Why are launch cost decreasing?Space solar power is primarily constrained by launch costs. As these continue to decrease then it will certainly become more viable. I think it might be potentially interesting to use it in a polar orbit to supply places near the North and South Poles with power during dark periods. However, such systems have been proposed for a very long time. I would like to see NASA or similar space organizations perform some demonstration projects to give a proof of concept, because I think that would be something that could generate excitement and stir the imagination of the general public. Of course, this kind of technology would also be useful to help supply power to future Lunar colonies or possibly to bases on Mars.
Then why are they all doing it? My understanding is that the whole point of reusable stages is to reduce launch costs.LOL the space X toys cost 5 times a sea drop booster and still needs to be totally rebuilt after use. They are far more expensive actually
Many incorrectly state that solar is only good during the day, and you brought up some examples of storage, except my favorite. Since you seem to be well versed in this aspect of energy generation, you might be able to address this issue, hopefully with none of the codswallop often found in other treatments.Production of solar power on Earth occurs only during the day, but this approximately matches daily power demand and utilities are already fielding storage technologies to time-shift solar output as needed (flow batteries, lithium ion batteries, molten-salt thermal storage, and other technologies,
Global warming results from the release of greenhouse gases. The energy that heats the planet comes primarily from the sun. The gases trap the solar heat near the surface. It is the gases, not the energy, that is of concern.you want to capture even more energy and beam it down here?!?!?! That's only going to make global warming even worse!!!!!