4 ms·

But isn't it infinitely cheaper and more efficient to just cover the earth with 5x as many panels? Losses in transmission from space would be significant (I'm

But isn't it infinitely cheaper and more efficient to just cover the earth with 5x as many panels? Losses in transmission from space would be significant (I'm seeing 9.6% microwave efficiency) and never mind that it costs $1000/kg to put something in space. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_solar_power https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_solar_power

DennisP 4y ago
Definitely wouldn't be feasible unless Starship works out at scale. If it does, launch costs go under $50/kg. Here is NASA's SPS-ALPHA study, which estimates 15 cents/kWh with $500/kg launch cost and minimal technological development (pdf): https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/niac_2011_phasei_mankins_spsalpha_tagged.pdf https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/niac_20...