C3.1 Final Report from the 2024-2025 NSS-IAA-IAF Space Solar Power Study Project

John C. MANKINS

Vice President, Moon Village Association (MVA), President, ARTEMIS Innovation Management Solutions

United States

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During the 2024-2025, a study project sponsored by the National Space Society (NSS), the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Permanent Committee (PC) on Space Solar Power (SSP), and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Space Power Committee have conducted a major new systems-technology study project on the subject of SSP. During recent years, there have been quite remarkable changes in the global context for SSP, including increasing concerns regarding climate change, new programs and plans by various countries, and advances in key capabilities (such as low-cost launch).This study project was the most comprehensive examination of the field since the completion of the 2008-2011 Decadal Assessment of Space Solar Power conducted by the IAA, addressing dozens of different SSP concepts and engaging several score subject matter experts in multiple workshops and meetings. A range of some five (5) new concepts were examined and compared to an updated technology version of the 1979 SPS Reference System.

The study concluded that a specific class of systems concepts – involving high levels of modularity and eliminating large, technically-challenging technologies (such as integrated, high-voltage power management and distribution) – present the greatest promise for commercially-viable SSP to be realized before 2040. These approaches may garner support coordinated efforts to realize the goal of large-scale, affordable, sustainable and dispatchable space solar power for humanity.