The most system complete solar power satellite concept that I have come across is presented in Gerard K. O’Neills’ “The High Frontier”. Uses lunar resources, launched from the lunar surface by mass drivers. Not practical in the short term but seems more long term possible than launching from Earth’s gravity well, even using Starship.
Yes, I've seen a few analyses that discuss a similar approach. Though space based solar power doesn't seem that practical for powering Earth, it could be much more viable for powering infrastructure in orbit or even on the Moon. Using lunar resources makes more sense, too, provided you can build up the infrastructure there first.
The most system complete solar power satellite concept that I have come across is presented in Gerard K. O’Neills’ “The High Frontier”. Uses lunar resources, launched from the lunar surface by mass drivers. Not practical in the short term but seems more long term possible than launching from Earth’s gravity well, even using Starship.
Yes, I've seen a few analyses that discuss a similar approach. Though space based solar power doesn't seem that practical for powering Earth, it could be much more viable for powering infrastructure in orbit or even on the Moon. Using lunar resources makes more sense, too, provided you can build up the infrastructure there first.