Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP)

Space-based solar power, the concept of collecting solar power in outer space using solar power satellite and transmitting it to the Earth, once thought to be a futuristic idea, is gradually becoming a reality. 

Over many decades, researchers have been working on how to put solar panels in space, harvest sunlight, and beam the harvested sunlight into the Earth for human consumption. Due to the closeness to the Sun, compared with the Earth, solar panels in space produce higher power. Via science fiction stories, novels, visibility studies, and proposals several illustrations of the transmission of solar power through space-based systems have been demonstrated.

In 1941, the idea of space-based solar power was described by a science fiction writer, Isaac Asimov, in a short story and since then it has been evolving. Presently, based on its enormous benefits, there is an ongoing global race for space-based solar power and exploration of the idea by several countries such as the United States, China, the European Union, Russia, Japan, India, and a host of others.

Space-based solar power is catalyzing various space exploration missions. This is made possible by several nexus of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, digital twins, etc. The concept of space-based solar power projects involves the launching of large solar power satellites, made up of smaller modules, to high orbit closer to the Sun. One of the propositions was to assemble the smaller modules in space via autonomous robots. 

The “Space-based Solar Power (SBSP)” course is aimed at disseminating the concept of space-based solar power, current trends such as in-space assembly and maintenance strategies using robotics, research and development of space-based solar power transmission techniques, and various space-based solar power pilot projects and test cases. 

In this course, you will learn about THE Evolution of Space-Based Solar Power, Applications of Space-Based Solar Power, Space-Based Solar Power Ecosystem, Current Trends of Space-Based Solar Power System, and Space-Based Solar Power Pilot Projects & Test Cases.

Insights you’ll gain

Evolution of Space-Based Solar Power, Timeline of Solar Energy, Advantages & Disadvantages of Space-Based Solar Power, 20th Century SBSP Early Concepts, and 21st Century SBSP Concepts.

Applications of Space-Based Solar Power, Spacecraft Powering, Space Stations Powering, Global Power Supply, Lunar & Martian Bases Powering, Interplanetary Exploration Missions Powering, In-Space Manufacturing, Sustainable Energy, Supplement for Existing Power Infrastructure, and Solar Sails.

Space-Based Solar Power Ecosystem, launch segment, ground segment, space segment, and Investment, Regulation, and R&D Institutions.

Current Trends of Space-Based Solar Power System, space-based solar power technological advancements, and space-based solar power in-space assembly and maintenance.

Space-Based Solar Power Pilot Projects & Test Cases such as Solar Power Demonstrator, Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research, Energy Orbit concept as a way to provide power to multiple satellites in LEO using a network of small space solar power satellites, and SOLARIS.

Skills you’ll gain

• Critical thinking about space-based solar power
• Confidence to speak boldly about space-based solar power
• Ability to be able to interpret, evaluate, and understand space-based solar power
• Innovations on space-based solar power.

Target audience

• Students
• Industries
• Academics
• Researchers
• Governments
• Space enthusiasts