Ad Astra Volume 20 Number 1 – Spring 2008

On The Cover: A solar power satellite orbits 22,240 miles above the Earth, collecting the sun’s energy and transmitting it safely to the surface in this illustration from artist Kris Holland.

Additional information on Space-Based Solar Power is available on our website.

Featured Articles:

• Note: The entire Special Report on Space-Based Solar Power (comprising the first five articles listed below) is available as a PDF file [1.5 MB]. The links below provide additional information.
• 18
  ENERGY FROM ORBIT
  The technology now exists to place great orbiting platforms in space, where they can capture solar energy and redirect it to receivers the size of airports on Earth.
  By John C. Mankins
• 26
  AN ENERGY PIONEER LOOKS BACK
  The man known as the “father of solar power satellites” reflects on the beginning of it all. An interview with Dr. Peter Glaser.
  By William Ledbetter
• 28
  STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
  Solar power from space can help keep the peace on Earth.
  By the Space-Based Solar
  Power Study Group-the Caballeros
  See the full report on Space-Based Solar Power As an Opportunity for Strategic Security
• 32
  A NEW COALITION
  The NSS announces the Space Solar Power Alliance.
  By Arthur Smith
  Correction for end of article on page 33: Gen. Armor is called a “past president” instead of “former director” of NSSO.
• 34
  ON THE MOON
  Lunar materials can play a major role in the development and launch of solar power satellites.
  By Al Globus
• 38
  50 AND COUNTING
  NASA celebrates five decades and Ad Astra joins in with a timeline that includes landmarks in NSS history.
  By Katherine Brick, Marianne Dyson, David Brandt-Erichsen, and Mark Hopkins
• 46
  MIXED SIGNALS FOR ARECIBO
  The world’s largest radio telescope is still vital 45 years after it began
  operations.
  By Joan C. Horvath