Collecting solar power in space and beaming it back to Earth is a relatively near-term possibility that could solve strategic and tactical security problems for the U.S. and its deployed forces, the Pentagon's National Security Space Office (NSSO) says in a report issued Oct. 10.
As a clean source of energy that would be independent of foreign supplies in the strife-torn Middle East and elsewhere, space solar power (SSP) could ease America's longstanding strategic energy vulnerability, according to the "interim assessment" released at a press conference and on the Web site spacesolarpower.wordpress.com.
And the U.S. military could meet tactical energy needs for forward-deployed forces with a demonstration system, eliminating the need for a long logistical tail to deliver fuel for terrestrial generators while reducing risk for eventual large-scale commercial development of the technology, the report says.
"The business case still doesn't close, but it's closer than ever," said Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul E. Damphousse of the NSSO, in presenting his office's report.
That could change if the Pentagon were to act as an anchor tenant for a demonstration SSP system, paying above-market rates for power generated with a collection plant in geostationary orbit beaming power to U.S. forces abroad or in the continental U.S., according to Charles Miller, CEO of Constellation Services International and director of the Space Frontier Foundation.
By buying down the risk with a demonstration at the tactical level, the U.S. government could spark a new industry able to meet not just U.S. energy needs, but those of its allies and the developing world as well. The technology essentially exists, and needs only to be matured. A risk buy-down by government could make that happen, according to the NSSO report.
"This is not a 50-year solution," said John Mankins, an expert in the field and president of the Space Power Association. "The kinds of things that are possible today say a truly transformational demonstration at a large scale is achievable within this decade."
I've seen a lot of people push the SPS model over the years. In the abstract I kinda like it. However, economically, it doesn't hold water. Alas. Until you are able to manufacture and assemble the whole kit and kaboodle in orbit at a price cheaper than building the arrays on earth with the cost of land etc added. Until that time, it's silly.
I am a bit wary of the military buying into the SPS model: SPS are really, really, really big targets. If the military were to become dependent on them, you can be damned sure that China, Russia, and anyone else that might have a beef with the US would invest in tons of antisatellite weaponry.
It ought to be noted that this is not the first time that the SPS advocates have courted the military. They did so ten years ago too when I was working for defense contractors. I read about it in the defense rags at the time that I had access to that I cannot afford now (Janes? monetary ouchie and then some!)
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