Interagency and international collaboration for space solar power implementation: A plan for space solar power project governance

Abstract

This paper proposes a plan for space solar power (SSP) project governance by US and foreign agencies and participation by industry, universities, and other non-governmental organizations. SSP research has typically focused on the technical aspects, rather than others that are equally important. NASA alone could never implement SSP, because it lacks the expertise required. This paper begins to bridge the gap between technical aspects and these other areas. I allocate SSP project governance among agencies with relevant experience and that are responsive to a successful clean power program, and I propose project management by an internationally-represented committee. A framework for interagency collaborations is outlined detailing the motivations for cooperation for each agency, company, university, or organization, and the issues associated with collaboration on interagency and international levels.