Space power: The dream of beaming solar energy from orbit – BBC

Analysis of Space-Based Solar Power in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Challenges to Sustainable Space Infrastructure and Governance

The development of space-based solar power (SBSP) presents significant challenges that intersect with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning infrastructure, innovation, and international governance.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The management of large satellite constellations poses a substantial risk to the sustainability of space infrastructure. Francesca Letizia of the European Space Agency highlights the challenge of collision avoidance. Any accidents could be detrimental to the industry, undermining efforts to build resilient and innovative infrastructure in space.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The legality of large-scale satellite arrays is questioned under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The potential for nations to effectively claim ownership of orbital space, as noted by Hanlon, could lead to international disputes, challenging the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies with strong global institutions.

Technological and Economic Viability for SDG 7

The feasibility of SBSP as a contributor to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) is contingent upon overcoming major technological and economic hurdles.

1. Economic Barriers: A 2024 NASA report concluded that SBSP is currently far more expensive than terrestrial renewable energy sources. This cost disparity presents a significant obstacle to achieving the “affordable” aspect of SDG 7.
2. Innovation Requirements: The same report identified the need for major advancements in several key areas before SBSP can be considered viable. These prerequisites directly relate to targets within SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and include:
   • Launch capabilities
   • In-space manufacturing
   • Energy transmission efficiency

Charity Weeden, a space policy expert, notes that while progress has been made, the technology may not yet be at a precipice for immediate implementation.

The Imperative for International Cooperation for Climate Action

Realizing the potential of SBSP as a tool for climate action requires robust global collaboration, directly aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• SDG 13: Climate Action: Karen Jones of The Aerospace Corporation emphasizes that SBSP represents a source of carbon-free energy, a critical component in the global strategy to combat climate change.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Jones suggests that international cooperation will be essential to make SBSP a reality. Overcoming existing distrust in the space domain through global partnerships is necessary to harness this technology for the collective benefit of achieving clean energy and climate goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article’s central theme is “space-based solar power,” which is described as “carbon-free energy.” This directly connects to the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The text discusses a “nascent industry” and the need for “major advances in launch, manufacturing, and efficiency.” This relates to building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. The management of large satellite constellations is a significant infrastructure challenge.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article explicitly states that “international cooperation will likely be needed to make space-based solar work.” It also touches upon international governance through the “Outer Space Treaty of 1967” and the “distrust in space,” highlighting the need for global partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.a: “By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.”
   • The article supports this target by quoting an expert who says “international cooperation will likely be needed to make space-based solar work” and by referencing a “2024 Nasa report” which represents research into clean energy technology.
2. Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation…”
   • The article points to this target by mentioning that the technology is only possible with “major advances in launch, manufacturing, and efficiency,” which calls for enhanced research and technological upgrades.
3. Target 17.14: “Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development.”
   • The discussion of the “Outer Space Treaty of 1967” and the legal questions surrounding large satellite constellations (“may not even be legal”) directly relates to the need for coherent international policies to govern the sustainable use of space.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Development of Carbon-Free Energy Technology:
   • The entire concept of “space-based solar power” as a “carbon-free energy” source is an indicator of progress towards developing and implementing clean energy solutions (relevant to SDG 7).
2. International Agreements and Cooperation:
   • The call for “international cooperation” and the reference to the “Outer Space Treaty of 1967” serve as indicators. The success or failure of establishing cooperative frameworks for space-based solar power would measure progress towards SDG 17. The level of “distrust in space” could be an inverse indicator.
3. Investment in Research and Innovation:
   • The mention of the “2024 Nasa report” and the need for “major advances” imply that investment in and the output of scientific research are key indicators for measuring progress in this innovative field (relevant to SDG 9). The high cost relative to terrestrial renewables is an indicator of the current technological and economic barriers.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: bbc.com