An Evaluation of Alternative Energy Business Models

While energy needs are dramatically increasing and we are more heavily relying on the depleting source of fossil fuels, retrieving energy from space is not yet a feasible option.

The only source of energy in space is solar energy, and the concept of using radio waves (discussed in class) to transmit energy back to earth has already been thoroughly researched. Solar Power Satellites were devised in 1968. Research began immediately, first via the Satellite Power System Concept Development and Evaluation Program (1968-1970), then with NASA’s Fresh Look (1996). Possible scenarios they explored included using the moon and asteroids as a source of materials and launch sites, all of which were deemed impractical due to competitive markets on earth. Estimates put the most practical projects on the scale of 20 billion dollars in cost, most of the problems coming from fuel costs.

An interesting article published by NASA can answer most questions about recent developments in this field and can be found below.

http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/2004/TM-2004-212743.pdf

And for more information on NASA’s Fresh Look and other previous research check out:

http://spacefuture.com/archive/a_fresh_look_at_space_solar_power_new_architectures_concepts_and_technologies.shtml

This seemed to be the only method currently developed for alternative energy from space, leaving us with little choice but to pursue other markets.