Title Space-based solar power : a technical, economic, and operational assessment / Jeffrey L. Caton

Published Carlisle Barracks, PA : Strategic Studies Institute and U.S. Army War College Press, [2015]

Click on the following:
JSTOR Security

Copies

Description 1 online resource (x, 53 pages) : illustrations Contents Technological assessment -- Economic assessment -- Operational assessment -- Findings and recommendations -- Concluding remarks Summary "With growing international awareness of energy security challenges, the promise of space-based solar power for clean and unlimited energy for all humankind is certainly appealing. While significant progress continues in the enabling technologies of such systems, is there compelling evidence that space-based solar power systems will provide the best energy solution? How does the Army's current approach to incorporating a diverse portfolio of renewable energy sources in distributed locations compare to the potential of enterprise ventures that beam energy from solar collectors in space? For over 4 decades, many credible organizations in government and industry have explored the concept of space-based solar power, but their serious studies often conclude that such systems remain on the future horizon, usually at least 10 years away from practical application. While space-based solar power systems may be technically feasible, the author believes there is no compelling evidence that such systems will be economically or operationally competitive with terrestrial power generation systems in use or in development. However, he does find that there may be some utility in the limited application of space-based solar power to enable operations in remote and forward operating locations"--Publisher's web site Notes "April 2015." Paper version available for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 39-51) Notes Online resource; title from PDF title page (SSI, viewed April 9, 2015) Subject United States. Army -- Energy consumption SUBJECT United States. Army fast Subject Satellite solar power stations. Satellite solar power stations -- Economic aspects Renewable energy sources -- United States Energy security -- United States Armed Forces -- Energy consumption Energy security Renewable energy sources Satellite solar power stations Satellite solar power stations -- Economic aspects United States Form Electronic book Author Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute, publisher. Army War College (U.S.). Press, publisher.

  Permalink