Basic Idea
qAt no place on the Earth does the sun shine as
bright as in case of its geosynchronous orbit, that
located in space 22,236 miles up where a satellite
can keep a spot on Earth in steady view all day,
every day.
qHigh above the gauzy atmosphere, they can
intercept rays 35 to 70 percent more intense than
mid noon sunlight on the ground.
qIn space there is no winter, twilight, no wan
winter sun and as such a cleverly placed solar
satellite can function as a whole for all but 44
hours a year (Like the eclipses).
qThe basic idea was first suggested in the early
1940s by the science fiction writer Isaac Asimov
in his short story Reason.
q The "Fresh Look" study was conducted in 1997 by NASA to examine the modern state of
SBSP feasibility. NASA asserted that the “US National Space Policy now calls for NASA to
make significant investments in technology (not a particular vehicle) to drive the costs of ETO
[Earth to Orbit] transportation down dramatically. This is, of course, an absolute requirement
of space solar power.”
qOn Nov 2, 2012, China proposed space collaboration with India that mentioned SBSP, " . . .
may be Space-based Solar Power initiative so that both India and China can work for long term
association with proper funding along with other willing space faring nations to bring space
solar power to earth."
