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Published:October 5-11, 1991
Author:
  • R Bryan Erb
Origin:42nd Congress of the International Astronautical Federation Montreal, Canada. October 5-11, 1991. Paper No. IAF-91-231
Editor:
Abstract:

This paper addresses the role of power from space for use on earth in the next century. It synopsizes the problems associated with our present practices of supplying power for the world in the face of a projected increase in demand and notes the need to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The probable shortfall by the middle of the next century is estimated and options for earth-based and space-based sources of energy are examined. The paper concludes that energy obtained from space is a viable and necessary way of meeting a significant part of the world's needs in the next century. Furthermore, energy from such a source will contribute to these needs in a way that would be gentle to the earth. If this conclusion is valid, then the topic must be placed on the agenda of the world's energy and aerospace communities and promoted as a significant part of what space-faring can do for humankind.

References:
  • Energy development and environment: What about solar energy in a long term perspective?
  • Solar Power Satellites: Energy source for the greenhouse century
  • Report of NASA Lunar Energy Enterprise Case Study Task Force
  • The Solar Power Satellites option reexamined
  • On the Possibility of Intercontinental Power Transmission via Satellite
  • Radiated Microwave Power Transmission System Efficiency Measurements
Related Entries:
  • SPS

  • SPS

Keywords:Power:Business
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