12-14 September, 2011, Lucknow - Earth Science India
12-14 September, 2011, Lucknow - Earth Science India
12-14 September, 2011, Lucknow - Earth Science India
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National Conference on <strong>Science</strong> of Climate Change and <strong>Earth</strong>’s Sustainability: Issues and Challenges ‘A Scientist-People Partnership’<br />
<strong>12</strong>-<strong>14</strong> <strong>September</strong>, <strong>2011</strong>, <strong>Lucknow</strong><br />
SPACE BASED SOLAR POWER – A REVIEW STUDY<br />
Kalpana Singh, Sada Shiv and Usha Bajpai<br />
Renewable Energy Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of <strong>Lucknow</strong>, <strong>Lucknow</strong> 226<br />
007<br />
email: kalpanapgtphy@gmail.com, sada<strong>2011</strong>shiv@gmail.com, dr_ushabajpai@rediffmail.com<br />
In this review study, an attempt has been made to draw the attention towards<br />
space-based solar power or solar power satellite. It is a technology to collect solar<br />
power on space for use on earth. As on the earth surface, solar insolation is not available<br />
all the time of the day and in all season. It differs from place to place. It is affected by<br />
cloud cover and visibility. So if it is possible to collect solar power in space for the use<br />
on earth, various problems related to solar systems being used today, are solved. This<br />
review study draws attention towards benefits of space-based solar power and also<br />
towards its hurdles.<br />
Space-based solar power was proposed by Aerospace Engineer and Consultant,<br />
Dr. Peter Glaser in 1968 and basic outline of the plan have remained largely unchanged<br />
since then. In 1995, NASA conducted a ‘Fresh Look’ on space solar power concepts<br />
and technologies under leadership of John Mankins. Low-cost with small infrastructure<br />
SBSP system is being expected in near future in the light of advanced technology.<br />
<strong>India</strong>n Space Research Organization and US National Space Society launched a joint<br />
forum to enhance partnership in harnessing solar energy through space-based solar<br />
collectors. Called the Kalam-NSS initiative after the former <strong>India</strong>n President Dr APJ<br />
Abdul Kalam, the forum will lay the groundwork for the space-based solar power<br />
program which could see other countries joining in as well.<br />
The idea of a multilateral space-based solar energy program was initiated by the<br />
<strong>India</strong>n Ministry of Defence think tank, Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses. A<br />
report prepared by Peter Garretson, a US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel called up on the<br />
governments of <strong>India</strong> and the United States to initiate this path-breaking project and<br />
make the space-based solar energy a commercially viable business venture by 2025.<br />
This partnership between the two countries is likely to gain pace and strength as the<br />
United States has now removed some technology-transfer restrictions which were<br />
imposed on some scientific research organizations in <strong>India</strong> after the 1998 nuclear tests.<br />
Organizations like the ISRO and Bharat Dynamics will now have access to some<br />
sensitive and unique technology.<br />
One of the biggest advantages of space-based solar energy is that it is not<br />
intermittent in nature as ground-based solar energy resource. An array of solar panels<br />
stationed in a geostationary orbit around the world will receive sunlight for 99 percent<br />
time of the year. Plus there are no losses due to atmospheric interferences.<br />
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