Summary of studies on space solar power systems of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Abstract

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been conducting studies on space solar power systems (SSPS) using microwave and laser beams for years since FY1998 organizing a special committee and working groups. Current SSPS study undertaken by JAXA consists of three main subjects, SSPS concepts and architectures study, technology flight demonstration plan-making and major technology development. In SSPS concepts and architectures study, special committee and working groups which include 180 or more persons participate from industrial, administrative and academic sectors are organized. And some configurations of both microwave-based SSPS and laser-based SSPS have been studied. This paper presents the results of these study effort of JAXA and the most promising SSPS concepts, including their key technologies.