For more information on the NASA Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy to view this and other reports visit https://www.nasa.gov/offices/otps/home/index.html Executive Summary Space-Based Solar Power Purpose of the Study This study evaluates the potential benefits, challenges, and options for NASA to engage with growing global interest in space-based solar power (SBSP). Utilizing SBSP entails in-space collection of solar energy, transmission of that energy to one or more stations on Earth, conversion to electricity, and delivery to the grid or to batteries for storage. Experts in both the aerospace and energy sectors are debating the benefits of SBSP as more organizations globally begin SBSP technology development programs. Proponents claim SBSP could deliver large amounts of electricity at competitive prices and with fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than terrestrial renewable electricity technologies while accelerating development of the space economy. Skeptics say SBSP has no clear development path and would divert billions of dollars from known terrestrial solutions while damaging the environment. While it is generally understood that SBSP is cost prohibitive and technically infeasible today, this study assesses operating SBSP systems in 2050. Part of NASA’s mission is to innovate for the benefit of humanity – it is through this lens that the Agency weighs whether and how to support SBSP development. The study addresses the following questions: • Under what conditions would SBSP be a competitive option to achieving net zero GHG emissions compared to alternatives? • If SBSP can be competitive, what role, if any, could NASA have in its development? To answer these questions, we spoke with more than 30 stakeholders and subject matter experts across the aerospace and energy sectors, reviewed over 100 documents relating to SBSP, developed a model to characterize and estimate the costs and GHG emissions of SBSP under varying technological and economic conditions, and qualitatively assessed challenges to SBSP development. Using these data sources, we: 1. Generated first-order lifecycle cost and emissions estimates for first-of-a-kind, utility-scale SBSP and compared those with current renewable electricity production technologies, 2. Conducted sensitivity analyses to assess whether a competitive SBSP solution is feasible, 3. Conducted qualitative assessments of challenges, opportunities, and NASA’s role, 4. Discussed options for NASA’s engagement, and 5. Made follow-on study recommendations. January 11, 2024 Report ID 20230018600
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==