The Next Big Thing: From 3D Printing to Mining the Moon by Barnatt Christopher

Author:Barnatt, Christopher [Barnatt, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ExplainingTheFuture.com
Published: 2015-11-08T00:00:00+00:00

The Type I SPS architecture has the advantage of making use of ‘traditional’ SPS technologies. It does, however, also present a number of practical challenges. These relate to ‘the need for an extremely large, high-voltage power management and distribution system on the platform’, as well as ‘the requirement for substantial up-front infrastructure’ both in space and to launch the required hardware.

As illustrated in figure 6.3, the IAA’s Type II system transmits energy to the Earth using multiple lasers that target a photovoltaic rectenna. While solar-pumped lasers could potentially be used to directly channel focused sunlight to the Earth, the IAA concluded that electric lasers are likely to prove more effective. The IAA’s Type II architecture is therefore based on electric laser power transmission, with sunlight turned into electricity using large but modular photovoltaic arrays. Power is then transmitted to the Earth by a laser incorporated into each module. The lasers would operate in the near-visible part of the spectrum, for example using near-infrared wavelengths.

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