Could placing massive solar farms in orbit solve Earth's energy crisis and combat climate change? In this episode of Thinking On Paper, hosts Mark Fielding and Jeremy Gilbertson speak with Sanjay Vijendran, Director of Space Energy Insights and former lead at the European Space Agency (ESA) for SBSP initiatives.
Sanjay breaks down the reality behind Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP): harvesting intense, 24/7 sunlight above the clouds and wirelessly beaming clean energy down to Earth.
Discover how this technology, conceived decades ago, is becoming feasible thanks to reusable rockets lowering launch costs and advancements in robotics and manufacturing.
Here's a snapshot of whet you'll learn about:
What SBSP is: Moving beyond terrestrial limitations for constant, reliable solar energy.
The Energy Poverty Problem: How SBSP could provide power to billions lacking reliable electricity.
Wireless Power Transmission: The science (and surprising demonstrations, including wirelessly cooled beer!) behind beaming energy safely from space.
Overcoming Challenges: Analyzing the hurdles of scale, launch costs, in-space assembly, safety protocols (like pilot beams), and economic viability (LCOE).
Future Visions: Exploring in-space manufacturing, using lunar resources, and the synergy with orbital data centers.
Bonus: Hear Sanjay's incredible story of meeting sci-fi legend Arthur C. Clarke!
Is Space-Based Solar Power science fiction, or a critical component of our Net Zero future? Watch the full discussion to understand the potential and the path forward for this transformative energy technology.
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Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Big Problems and Solutions
(01:03) Exploring Space-Based Solar Power
(02:41) Energy Poverty and Its Global Impact
(05:03) The Viability of Space-Based Solar Power
(07:23) Wireless Power Transmission: A Game Changer
(10:14) Technical Challenges of Scaling Up
(12:03) Cost Considerations and Economic Viability
(14:27) Future of Manufacturing in Space
(17:15) Hot Takes and Personal Insights
(19:55) Economics of Space-Based Solar Power
(29:21) Understanding Energy Sources and Their Economics
(31:22) Emerging Private Companies in Space-Based Solar Power
(33:19) Comparing Power Delivery Methods: RF vs. Lasers
(35:47) Safety Mechanisms in Space-Based Power Systems
(41:06) Collaboration vs. Competition in Space Energy
(42:37) Political and Cultural Barriers to Space Energy Adoption
(46:44) The Urgency of Investing in Space-Based Solar Power
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