>
> 1a. DOD case for solar powered from space
> Posted by: "Herbert Murray" hcm1955@... hcm1955
> Date: Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:58 pm ((PDT))
>
> Today a report presenting a case for SPS was released by National
> Security Space Office (Part of DOD Acquisition). You can download a
> copy of this report at: http://ssafe.wordpress.com/
>
> Wouldn't it be nice if DOD help fund SE, much like it DOD funded
the
> Interstate system 50 years ago?
>
> Cheers,
> Bert
>

Disclosure:

Yours truly was one of the co-contributors:

Space-Based Solar Power Interim Assessment (Release 0.1) is
Published!

http://spacesolarpower.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/final-sbsp-interim-
assessment-release-01.pdf

From Foreword of the report itself:

Preventing resource conflicts in the face of increasing global
populations and demands in the 21st century is a high priority for
the Department of Defense. All solution options to these challenges
should be explored, including opportunities from space.

In March 2007, the National Security Space Officefs Advanced
Concepts
Office presented the idea of space]based solar power (SBSP) as a
potential grand opportunity to address not only energy security, but
environmental, economic, intellectual, and space security as well.
First proposed in the late 1960fs, the concept was last explored in
the NASAfs 1997 gFresh Lookh Study. In the decade since this last
study, advances in technology and new challenges to security have
warranted a current exploration of the strategic implications of
SBSP. For these reasons, my office sponsored a no]cost Phase 0
Architecture Feasibility Study of SBSP during the Spring and Summer
of 2007.

Unlike traditional contracted architecture studies, the attached
report was compiled through an innovative and collaborative approach
that relied heavily upon voluntary internet discussions by more than
170 academic, scientific, technical, legal, and business experts
around the world. I applaud the high quality of work accomplished by
the team leaders and all participants who contributed in the last six
months. I encourage them to continue their work in earnest as they
move beyond this interim report and seek to answer the question of
whether SBSP can be developed and deployed within the first half of
this century to provide affordable, clean, safe, reliable,
sustainable and expandable energy for mankind.

This interim assessment contains significant initial findings and
recommendations that should provide pause and consideration for
national and international policy makers, business leaders, and
citizens alike. It appears that technological challenges are closing
rapidly and the business case for creating SBSP is improving with
each passing year. Still absent, however, is an appropriate catalyst
to stimulate the various interested parties toward actually
developing a SBSP capability. I encourage all to read this report and
consider the opportunities that SBSP presents as part of a national
and international debate for action on how best to preserve security
for all.

//signed 9 Oct 07//
JOSEPH D. ROUGE, SES
Acting Director, National Security Space Office