Enhancing terrestrial solar power using orbiting solar reflectors

The delivery of global clean energy services represents a key challenge for the 21st century. In order to deliver such services, it is clear that large-scale solar power farms will continue grow both in number and size. principle, ultralight membrane orbiting reflectors can illuminate during critical dawn/dusk hours day, enhancing utility terrestrial power. advantage only relatively modest mass needs be delivered Earth orbit. This paper discusses technical challenges associated with development, deployment operation space-based service. Business development models are discussed along regulatory issues finally an integrated technology demonstration roadmap presented. • Orbiting offer timely opportunity enhance output. Repeat ground track Sun-synchronous orbits proposed daily access farms. A double-boom configuration CMGs attached, booms null gravity gradient torques by equalizing inertias. hexagonal reflector fabricated from triangular units standardization modularity. National, commercial hybrid proposed; economic analysis suggests feasibility falling launch costs.