GSEK - Global Solar Energy Concept Environmental and Social Consequences JOHANN SPIESt The ultimate goal of GSEK, a global solar energy concept created by MSB, is the safe and inexhaustible supply of power on an ecological and economical, large-scale industrial basis. For an assessment of chances, risks, challenges, benefits and technological gaps, three equivalent systems concepts are considered in parallel. The baseline for our comparison with two space-based competitors is a simple terrestrial systems concept. The present favourite is a mixed systems concept. Combining power generation on the ground and in space by means of laser illumination of solar power plants on Earth, it multiplies the power output of the latter, eliminates the need for dedicated, expensive rectennas and for large day/night energy storage. Without the risk of wasting time and money, the ultimate point of no return is postponed to a future date when it can be drawn on the sound basis of an adequate technology program running in parallel with the erection of dedicated, terrestrial receiving plants. Conceptual design and analysis of an orbital power station is a necessary but insufficient pre-requisite for the realistic assessment of the potential of power from space. Covering the aspects of ecology, economy, technology and operations, an operability and life-cycle analysis of an overall industrial systems scenario is required, which includes the harmonized technical and operational concepts for power stations, in-orbit infrastructure, traffic/transportation, operations, mainte- nance/repair carry over and final disposal. Consideration of transportation is inevitable, because it governs the economy and ecology of power from space. Harmonization of the concepts for orbital power stations and for transportation significantly reduces classical transportation mass, related cost and atmosphere pollution. The operability of industrial power generation in orbit affects all sub-scenarios, even the optimum design/size of power plants, and calls for international agreements and regulations. Ground safety and operability favour modular multi-beam transmission. Hundreds of identical laser sub-stations simultaneously beam energy onto a common * MBB/ERNO, Bremen, Germany
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