Our Solar Power Satellite Desktop Demonstration Project
Introduction
On October 10, 2007,
the Defense Department's National Security Space Office
(NSSO) has led a study group to investigate space-based solar power
(SBSP) and has found SBSP to be an especially promising way to reduce
US dependence on foreign-oil and as a way to reduce global warming. At
a National Press Club event on this date, sponsored by NSS (the
National Space Society), the NSSO released its findings.
NSS, determined to take
maximum advantage of this opportunity, had put together in advance a
13-organization alliance to push Space Based Solar Power. The Moon
Society, as a member of the Space Solar Alliance for Future Energy
(SSAFE), decided to create a table top demonstration of solar power
beaming, based on a sketch by USAF Lt. Col. Peter
Garretson.
It took quite a bit of work by a team of several people. From the Moon Society, Vice-president Charles F. Radley, and Chairman of the Board, R. Scott Gammenthaler took the lead. Several people outside the Society were very much involved, including Phil Mills
It took quite a bit of work by a team of several people. From the Moon Society, Vice-president Charles F. Radley, and Chairman of the Board, R. Scott Gammenthaler took the lead. Several people outside the Society were very much involved, including Phil Mills
The Debut
Our unit was finished in
time for a grand debut at the National
Space Society's 2008 International Space Development Conference in
Washington DC, the weekend of May 29th- June 1st, 2008.
Photos:
Photos:
Assembled Unit - Paul Blase, who put the
unit together, stands at the side
Society President Peter Kokh congratulates USAF Lt. Col Peter Garretson on his original design that was the inspiration for our unit
Society Leaders in front of the unit, left to right: David Dunlop (Director of Project Development and Board Candidate, Board Candidate Fred Hills, President Peter Kokh, Treasurer Dana Carson
Society President Peter Kokh congratulates USAF Lt. Col Peter Garretson on his original design that was the inspiration for our unit
Society Leaders in front of the unit, left to right: David Dunlop (Director of Project Development and Board Candidate, Board Candidate Fred Hills, President Peter Kokh, Treasurer Dana Carson
Encores
Our Unit was next
displayed at the Space Frontier Foundation's New Space 2008 conference,
July 17-19,
in Crystal City, VA, just across the Potomac.
It is scheduled to be exhibited at the Workshop on the State of SBSP Technology by the Air Force Research Laboratory, October 2-3, 2008 in Lake Buena Vista (Orlando), Florida, and at the 10th ILEWG International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon, October 27-31, 2008 in Orlando, as well as at the 2009 ISDC in that same city, May 28-31, 2009. These three showings have been arranged by Moon Society Director of Project Development (and roving "ambassador") David A. Dunlop.
Now imagine if there were dozens more units available for display!
It is scheduled to be exhibited at the Workshop on the State of SBSP Technology by the Air Force Research Laboratory, October 2-3, 2008 in Lake Buena Vista (Orlando), Florida, and at the 10th ILEWG International Conference on Exploration and Utilization of the Moon, October 27-31, 2008 in Orlando, as well as at the 2009 ISDC in that same city, May 28-31, 2009. These three showings have been arranged by Moon Society Director of Project Development (and roving "ambassador") David A. Dunlop.
Now imagine if there were dozens more units available for display!
Follow Up - Current Efforts
But the plan was never to
stop there, but rather, to follow up with an online kit that would
allow others to follow in our footsteps and create their own
demonstrator units. The more of these units there were, the more people
would see them in operation at more events in this country and around
the world.
The kits would include parts list, parts sources, diagrams, blueprints, a section on regulations and permits, etc. This kit would be created online for easy free access.
A deluxe kit would include items cheaper to purchase in quantity.
Meanwhile, at ISDC 2008, two parties approached us and asked about purchasing a completed duplicate. We are currently working on this goal. We expect the two new units to be "improved" versions, as the original turned out to be more fragile than we had expected. It will be these two new units that will be the basis of the online kit.
To follow our original project, go to the original Space Based Power Demo index page.
The kits would include parts list, parts sources, diagrams, blueprints, a section on regulations and permits, etc. This kit would be created online for easy free access.
A deluxe kit would include items cheaper to purchase in quantity.
Meanwhile, at ISDC 2008, two parties approached us and asked about purchasing a completed duplicate. We are currently working on this goal. We expect the two new units to be "improved" versions, as the original turned out to be more fragile than we had expected. It will be these two new units that will be the basis of the online kit.
To follow our original project, go to the original Space Based Power Demo index page.
Part of a Larger Moon Society Grand Plan
SPS systems constructed with Lunar Materials
is the concrete long term goal of the Society. This would lead to
intensive and vigorous civilian settlement of the Moon.
More information on Space Solar Power
