Online Journal of Space Communication
Article Title
Abstract
A system of prizes is proposed to spur development of Space Solar Power (SSP) by the private sector. The prize is sized ($21 billion) to match the recently announced Japanese initiative to build a one gigawatt (1GW) power satellite. The prize is divided into 21 separate $1B prizes and only one of these will be awarded per satellite installation. This approach will spur development of at least 21 power satellites, or the prize money will be returned to the sponsor. Historically, prizes have been used to spur needed developments in the public interest costing several times more than the purse, so one might reasonably expect a $21 billion investment on the part of the U.S. federal government to elicit private commitments of perhaps $50-100 billion jump-starting a new energy industry.
Recommended Citation
Globus, Al
(2021)
"Space Solar Power Via Prizes,"
Online Journal of Space Communication: Vol. 9:
Iss.
16, Article 21.
Available at:
https://ohioopen.library.ohio.edu/spacejournal/vol9/iss16/21
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