Caltech's Space Solar Power Project Takes Giant Leap Forward with SpaceX Launch
The Caltech Space Solar Power Project (SSPP) has taken a significant step forward with the launch of its prototype, the Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD), into orbit.
The aim of this project is to harness the endless supply of solar energy available in space and transmit it back to Earth.
This approach to solar power generation is unique as it is not subject to the constraints of day and night, seasons, and cloud cover.
The SpaceX launch of the SSPD marks a significant milestone in the project, bringing the possibility of space-based solar power closer to reality, which is a giant leap forward for Caltech and future of space solar power.
When fully developed, the SSPP will consist of a fleet of modular spacecraft that will collect sunlight, convert it into electricity, and wirelessly transmit it to areas in need of power, including places without access to a reliable energy source.
The Caltech Space Solar Power Project (SSPP) was initiated in 2011 after philanthropist Donald Bren, who is the chairman of Irvine Company and a lifetime member of the Caltech Board of Trustees, came across an article about space-based solar energy manufacturing in Popular Science magazine.
The rocket needed about 10 minutes to ascend to the desired altitude. The rocket released the Momentus spacecraft into orbit. Within a few weeks of the launch, the Caltech team on Earth intends to begin conducting its tests on the SSPD.
More time will be needed for other factors. To get new knowledge about the kinds of photovoltaic technology that would work best for this application, the collection of photovoltaics will need to be tested for up to six months.
The project will enable an assessment of the types of cells that are the most effective in space and demonstrate wireless power transmission at distance in space.
Realizing the potential of space-based solar energy, the SSPP team has made a significant achievement in creating a space-worthy prototype. This prototype is expected to test several key components of an ambitious plan to harvest solar power in space and beam the energy back to Earth.
This includes a 6 feet by 6 feet structure, a collection of 32 different types of photovoltaic cells, and an array of flexible lightweight microwave power transmitters.
Through the efforts of a team of 35 scientists, engineers, and students, the SSPD was created to test the potentials of space-based solar power.
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