UK UK to consider space-based solar power energy

https://environmentjournal.online/articles/uk-to-consider-space-based-solar-power-systems/

The UK government has commissioned research into space-based solar power systems.

The idea for space-based solar power has been around for decades, however, research into it is still in the early days.

The systems would use very large solar power satellites to collect solar energy, convert it into high-frequency radio waves, and safely beam it back to ground-based receivers connected to the electrical grid.

The study, led by Frazer-Nash Consultancy, will consider the engineering and economics of such a system. They will consider whether it could deliver affordable energy for consumers and the engineering and technology that would be required to build it.

One of the biggest issues to overcome is assembling the massive satellites in orbit, which has not been done before at this scale.

Historically, the cost of rocket launches and the weight that would be required for a project of this scale made the idea of space-based solar power unfeasible. However, the recent emergence of privately-led space ventures has brought the cost of the launch down dramatically in the last decade.

Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: ‘The Sun never sets in space, so a space solar power system could supply renewable energy to anywhere on the planet, day or night, rain or shine. It is an idea that has existed for decades but has always felt decades away.

‘The UK is growing its status as a global player in space and we have bold plans to launch small satellites in the coming years. Space solar could be another string to our bow, and this study will help establish whether it is right for the UK.’

Martin Soltau, Space Business Manager at Frazer-Nash added: ‘Decarbonising our economy is vital. We need to explore new technologies to provide clean, affordable, secure and dependable energy for the nation.

‘We will compare space-based solar power alongside other forms of renewable energy, to see how it would contribute as part of a future mix of clean energy technologies.

‘We have also partnered with Oxford Economics, who have significant experience in the space sector and who will provide additional insight to the economic assessment of the system and the benefit to the UK economy.’

 

[Penis Drager]

Dyson swarm when?

 

[Homersexual]

Yeah, no. Solar panels in space are not and probably will never be economically viable if we launch the components and/or materials from Earth. Shit is and always will be expensive, yo.

 

[Sam Losco]

‘The UK is growing its status as a global player in space and we have bold plans to launch small satellites in the coming years

LMAO

Yeah, a country that doesn't even launch their own shit is a huge player in space.

The UK is a non-entity in space. Everything they've done in recent years has been through the EU.

Yeah, no. Solar panels in space are not and probably will never be economically viable if we launch the components and/or materials from Earth. Shit is and always will be expensive, yo.

The bigger issue IMO is that whole converting it to high-freq RF and transmitting it down to the surface to be converted back into grid capable electricity. I can't see that being all that efficient.

I don't see this happening.

 

[Not Really Here]

Yeah, no. Solar panels in space are not and probably will never be economically viable if we launch the components and/or materials from Earth. Shit is and always will be expensive, yo.

Sci-Fi authors figured this shit out in the '50's, you have to mine and refine almost everything on the moon, then use a linear accelerator for Luna to Earth Geo Synchronous orbit.
Pretty much just need Humans, and maybe some rare earth elements shipped to Luna, then a crew for assembly in Earth orbit.

 

[ColtWalker1847]

Renewable cultists never heard of engineered design life. Great big PV arrays unshielded in space aren't going to last long. Scale that up to gigawatt grid electric and you will have nothing but a constant stream of rockets launching replacement parts and service personnel.

Just build PWRs like France did, ffs. Stop trying to overthink this.

 

[Dante Alighieri]

Sci-Fi authors figured this shit out in the '50's, you have to mine and refine almost everything on the moon, then use a linear accelerator for Luna to Earth Geo Synchronous orbit.
Pretty much just need Humans, and maybe some rare earth elements shipped to Luna, then a crew for assembly in Earth orbit.

The moon is a harsh mistress, and I hope to survive the inevitable kinetic bombardment.

 

[Kuritan Deplorable]

I look forward to the power transmission going wrong and causing a Hammer of Dawn strike in downtown London.

Sci-Fi authors figured this shit out in the '50's, you have to mine and refine almost everything on the moon, then use a linear accelerator for Luna to Earth Geo Synchronous orbit.
Pretty much just need Humans, and maybe some rare earth elements shipped to Luna, then a crew for assembly in Earth orbit.

On one hand, the brits are massive cucks who are afraid of forks now, on the other hand they have a strong history of colonization and exploitation. If they can make a utensil free space program, they just might pull it off.

 

[Jet Fuel Johnny]

Like the above posts said: Sci-Fi authors figured this shit out in the 1950's.

During the Space Race it was an idea that was considered, then everyone pointed out the big problems, like the posters above mentioned.

Parts would have to be manufactured on the moon. You'd need a manned base with manufacturing facilities and long term living space. Tycho Base in other words.

The debris field could mess it up badly. So, constant maintenance. Might as well built it around an orbital hab. Once again, they need food, O2, and water. Tycho Base.

Last, if for some reason (accident or sabotage) the microwave beams carrying the power would smash into a suburb or city and fuck shit up.

The fact that they haven't even bothered to pretend to address any of these issues shows that the whole thing was just some politician thinking he's smart and forward thinking scribbling "space solar collectors LOL" on a napkin and the EU treating it seriously.

Next the EU should consider making a defensive shield to protect themselves of nukes by putting trillions of $1 bills in orbit. I'm sure they can hire a talking penguin to explain it.