Space-based Solar Power: Possible Defense Applications and Opportunities for NRL Contributions
Abstract
The principal objective of this Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) SBSP study was to determine if NRL can offer a unique, cost-effective, and efficient approach to supplying significant power on demand for Navy, Marine Corps, or other Department of Defense applications by employing a space-based solar power system. This study was initiated by and prepared for top NRL management in part as result of the publication of the National Security Space Office's (NSSO) report "Space-Based Solar Power as an Opportunity for Strategic Security." This report reviews some of the critical technology issues for SBSP and highlights relevant research areas, particularly those that NRL is technically qualified to address. It must be noted that the principal objective of this study differs significantly from the multitude of previous studies performed in reference to SBSP in that it focuses on defense rather than utility grid applications. A secondary objective was to determine possible funding agencies that would entertain a broad NRL proposal to perform research and development for elements of such a system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 23, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513123
Entities
People
- David E. Huber
- Donald Gubser
- Keith Akins /jill /dahlburg
- Mark Dorsey
- Michael C Brown
- N. J. H. Smith
- Philip Jenkins
- Robert Bartolo
- W. Neil Johnson
- Wayne Boncyk
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory