“Space-Based Solar Power As an Opportunity for Strategic Security”
Ken Murphy / 12:09 am October 13th, 2007
Phase 0 Architecture Feasibility Study
“Space-Based Solar Power As an Opportunity for Strategic Security”
Report to the Director, National Security Space Office
Interim Assessment Release 0.1
10 Oct 2007
On-Line Text (pdf) [fixed link]
Space.com article
MSNBC.com article
SpaceDaily.com article
Librarian’s Note: This is an excellent and important paper. This is the one project that the Baby Boom generation (and their kids Gens X & Y) can undertake that will leave a permanent investment in our nation’s posterity, and also serve the world. We invented this, and we can make it happen, though ultimately this is a global project, which means lots of business opportunity.
Part of the solution is that the current oil-producing nations absolutely need to be able to take a stake in the venture. The main end being eliminating the cultural nihilism that would accompany the end of oil production and the ending of the cash flows associated therewith, and moderating some of the more extremist views by a continued investment in energy delivery.
It will be very hard to accomplish, many people will die in horrible ways in space, and it will not be cheap in the beginning. If there was ever a reason to bring back Century Bonds (with 100 year tenors), this would be it. But this is the closest we will come to clean and permanent energy for a while. If we pass on this opportunity, it may be a long time before it returns. If we take it, we can start weaning ourselves from hydrocarbons and their deleterious effects while building a cislunar economy for even greater prosperity for the peoples of the world.
Go read this report.