Does the use of space solar power for in-space activities really make sense: An updated economic assessment

Advocates of space solar power propose its use as a mechanism for solving terrestrial and orbital power problems. These craft collect solar radiation via their solar panels and transmit it in a more concentrated form to receiving spacecraft or ground stations. This more concentrated transmission (e.g., via laser or microwave radiation) alters the power generation equation for the receiving craft or station, as it allows smaller (both in terms of mass and volume) receiving hardware to be utilized. It also offers other prospective benefits, such as the possibility of receiving power in eclipse and the reduced deterioration rate of radio antennas, as compared to solar cells (removing the need to include extra generation capability to offset lifetime deterioration). This paper seeks to answer the question of whether the use of SSP to power other in-space craft is justified, from an economic perspective. It considers factors that can be assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.