Space solar power orbit design and cost analysis

Disaster in Fukushima nuclear power plant, environmental pollution due to carbon dioxide emission and global warming has motivated researchers to seek alternative green energy resources such as solar power. Terrestrial solar power (TSP) is not reliable as it is limited by weather condition and seasonal sun light illumination variations. Space solar power (SSP) is a solution to TSP limitations. The idea of harvesting solar power in space has been proposed several decades ago. However, technology restrictions have stalled its realization. This paper compares the harvesting performance of SSP and TSP based on current technologies. It also studies different orbit configurations such as LEO, MEO and GEO. Cost ($/kW), technical difficulties, and fundamental requirements for successful SSP implementation are discussed.