THE SOLAR POWER SATELLITE CONCEPT — THE PAST DECADE AND THE NEXT DECADE CHRISTOPHER C. KRAFT, JR. and ROBERT O. PILAND Director, NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas 483-4588 and Associate Director for Program Development, E&D NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas 483-4071 Abstract — The concept of using space satellites to collect solar energy for Earth use was first proposed in 1968. The present paper summarizes the results of various studies conducted since that time. The concept is now being evaluated by the Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This evaluation will result in a recommendation as to whether the concept should be pursued further. A possible plan for the continued exploration of the concept is presented. The initial thrust of this plan would involve laboratory development and testing of selected system elements to answer key technological and environmental questions. 1. INTRODUCTION The 1974 oil embargo imposed by the oil producing export countries brought the subject of energy to a new level of consciousness in government, industry, and the public in general. The subject of energy has many facets, including the economic consequences of large and growing oil imports. Another facet involves the longer range consideration of alternate sources of energy when oil and natural gas are no longer available in significant quantities. Although alternate energy sources were not in the forefront of public interest before the oil embargo, government and industrial research and development were underway. These efforts centered primarily on nuclear fission light water reactors, the fast-breeder reactor, and nuclear fusion reactors. It was assumed by many, and still is by some, that future energy needs would be met to a large extent with nuclear systems. Concerns with nuclear systems, however, coupled with the oil embargo, have resulted in renewed interest in the search for additional energy sources. The use of various forms of coal on a large scale has received attention, although its use will present certain problems. Against this background, scientists and engineers have continued to study the possibilities of solar energy. The virtually unlimited supply of solar energy, as compared to fuels which are depletable, is its obvious major attraction. Techniques for collection and conversion of solar energy have existed for many years; however, the
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