The feasibility of using orbiting mirrors to reflect sunlight to Earth for several illumination applications is studied. A constellation of sixteen 1 km solar reflector spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit can illuminate a region 333 km in diameter to 8 lux, which is brighter than most existing expressway lighting systems. This constellation can serve one region all night long or can provide illumination during mornings and evenings to five regions across the United States. Preliminary cost estimates indicate such an endeavor is economically feasible. The studies also explain how two solar reflectors can illuminate the in-orbit nighttime operations of Space Shuttle. An unfurlable, 1 km diameter solar reflector spacecraft design concept was derived. This spacecraft can be packaged in the Space, Shuttle, transported to low Earth orbit, unfurled, and solar sailed to operational orbits up to geosynchronous. The necessary technical studies and improvements in technology are described, and potential environmental concerns are discussed.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Illumination from space with orbiting solar-reflector spacecraft


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1982-09-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    THE ORBITING SOLAR OBSERVATORY SPACECRAFT

    Bartoe, O. E. / Dolder, F. P. / Gablehouse, R. H. et al. | NTRS | 1963


    Simulating Orbiting Spacecraft

    Stecklein, J. M. / Plowman, C. / Lewis, A. et al. | NTRS | 1990


    Eclipse observations from orbiting spacecraft

    Moore, R.C. / Schilling, G.F. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1966


    Orbiting Solar Reflector Motion Simulation and Magnetic Attitude Control

    Simon, K. / International Astronautical Federation | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994