Overview of Studies on Space Solar Power Systems and Elemental Technology Development

摘要

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has studied Space Solar Power Systems (SSPS) using laser and microwave beams for years since 1998. Current SSPS study undertaken by JAXA consists of three main subjects, SSPS concepts and architectures study, technology demonstration and elemental technology development. In current research of Laser based SSPS (L-SSPS), we have studied some elemental technologies such as ultralight film mirror, wavelength selective mirror, laser generator based on direct solar pumping solid-state laser diode, laser transmission property in atmosphere, photovoltaic generation converting laser energy to electricity and photocatalytic hydrogen generation. This paper presents the introduction of SSPS concepts and architectures study and elemental technology development of L-SSPS.