Space Solar Power as an Enabler for a Human Mission to Mars

Space Solar Power (SSP), a technology based on the collection and aggregated transmission of light from the sun, offers an opportunity to create a deep space electrical infrastructure in order to provide the required level of power to a prospective Mars settlement. Several approaches to this challenge are presented and compared. Under the first approach, several Solar Powered Satellites (SPSs) are positioned in space between the Earth and Mars. These SPSs will capture large amounts of solar energy and transmit this energy in a focused beam via laser or microwave to relay SPSs until the energy finally reaches its Mars destination SPS. The Mars SPS will transmit the energy to a receiver and conversion station on the surface of Mars where it will be utilized for continuous operations. A second prospective approach is to place a constellation of SPSs in orbit of Mars which collect solar energy and transmit it (in aggregate form) to one or more ground stations, when they are overhead of them. Both of these prospective approaches are compared (in terms of cost, benefit and system reliability) to a technically simpler solution of placing a collection of solar panels on the surface of Mars for energy collection. This paper considers the logistical requirements for maintaining a deep space electrical infrastructure. It also determines the number of SPSs required for this infrastructure and the array sizes needed to output optimal return. A similar approach is taken to determine the ideal configuration of SPSs on Mars. The power requirements for the Martian colony will be estimated to facilitate evaluation of whether the SPS power technology is suitable for meeting them. The serviceability of the three approaches and associated maintenance and upkeep cost are also considered. Reliability of power for the Mars colony is absolutely essential necessitating redundancy and preventative maintenance of the SPSs as well as the maintenance of orbital alignment. From the foregoing, a characterization of conditions under which each approach is best suited is presented. A pathway to the implementation of this system is also discussed.