Nuclear Fusion And Space Based Solar Power

As the global population increases exponentially, having passed six billion in 1999, the world population is expected to be 8.9 billion by the year 2050. The worlds energy consumption will increase by an estimated 54 percent by 2025. Energy demand in the industrialized world is projected to grow 1.2 percent per year. Energy is a critical component of sustained economic growth and improved standards of living. One of the major requirements for sustaining human progress is an adequate source of energy. As the world’s technological enhancements and standards of living improve, so too does their appetite for electricity.

Summary: In this paper I will discuss the overall of nuclear energy to rectify some misconception. I will give the advantages and disadvantages for using nuclear energy and let the readers understand the basic idea of it.

Presently, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission are being studied, and even used in some countries as a power generator. The enormous energy produced by nuclear fission and fusion could light up a big city for a hundred years or more and we do not have to worry about it polluting our environment because nuclear energy is a green energy. Moreover, in a long term, the cost to generate power using nuclear is far less than the cost of generating power using fossil fuel.

In this modern fast paced world that we live in, there are many issues that are looked over, energy is one of these. As a world, we are dependant on dwindling fossil fuel supplies and take for granted electricity, oil, and gas. There are four completely renewable sources of energy around us that should be used and developed, they are: wind, growing plants, flowing water, and the sun. These sources of energy are the ones we should be tapping, because they are reliable and renewable. Harnessing the suns energy is the most certain and ultimate energy source. Looking at a brief history and some facts about solar energy, a glimpse of the future can be seen, a future not dependant on

1. Christian, Eric. (2012, May 10). Nucleosynthesis. Retrieved from http://helios.gsfc.nasa.gov/nucleo.html 2. May, Sandra. (2015, Sept 16)

There are many types of alternative energy that are available and being used. One of these sources is solar power. Solar power is the fastest growing and most popular source of alternative energy. There are two processes of solar power that each depend on the nuclear fusion power from the core of the sun. The first process of solar power involves solar cells that depend on the photovoltaic effect to absorb photons and turn them into electrons. The other process involves mirrors or lenses that concentrate a large area of sunlight, or solar thermal energy onto a small area (Williams,"What Are the Different"). Solar power is used to generate light, heat homes, generate electricity, and used for air conditioning in

The prospect of nuclear fusion is presented by numerous, I included, to be the ultimate answer to the human race’s energy crisis. The very idea of nearly infinite energy with no long-term waste product, especially one that causes harm, will spark a major turning point in human civilization. Nonetheless, even though we can see nuclear fusion in action throughout the universe in the cores of stars and in our miniature mechanical versions of these, we still have yet to break even on the energy front. Some people, when faced with this ongoing problem for the technology, suggest other forms of power generation that we know already work. Hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, and wind power all show promise as sources of massive power generation. Yet

alternatives, such as nuclear fusion. Fusion has been an attractive method of energy for a

In conclusion, both nuclear power and solar power have many similarities and differences. They are both have great potential for becoming major sources of power generation, and they both have large scientific backing. Without them, the world would be a very different

Nuclear powered unmanned space vehicles (USVs) represent the future of deep space exploration. Deep space missions require a power source that can travel further, go faster, and last longer than traditional chemical rockets or solar powered propulsion systems; nuclear powered platforms provide an ideal alternative. The United States is currently working cooperatively with other countries to research and develop nuclear power sources for space travel. Examples of unmanned deep space missions include space exploration, payload delivery, and asteroid interception. The purpose of this paper is to explore the different options that nuclear power can provide for platform power, propulsion, and maneuverability that meet the specific demands

The world as we know today is dependent on energy. The options we have currently enable us to produce energy economically but at a cost to the environment. As fossil fuel source will be diminishing over time, other alternatives will be needed. An alternative that is presently utilized is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is currently the most efficacious energy source. Every time the word ‘nuclear’ is mentioned, the first thought that people have is the devastating effects of nuclear energy. Granting it does come with its drawbacks; this form of energy emits far less pollution than conventional power plants. Even though certain disadvantages of nuclear energy are devastating, the advantages contain even greater rewards.

In addition, solar energy operational costs are manageable. It is free from monthly charges compared to conventional sources of energy. Solar energy does not require raw materials such as oil and coal, and once the panels are built, there will be no monthly charges. In addition, the prices of fossil fuels are increasing day by day, and this means conventional energy will be very expensive. Solar energy will remain the most capable world’s future power supply because, it is cost effective once the plants are built, and there will be no transport costs like for conventional energy sources. Therefore, solar energy is cost-effective, and will help in future energy supply, as the maintenance cost is affordable, as long as they are installed properly, and are working efficiently ( Hans, 2012). Furthermore, with the improvement and advancement of technology, it will increase its efficiency, and cost of production thus, making it more cost effective and the world’s best

Solar energy is an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Our planet has been experiencing an average increase in global temperatures. Slowly but surely our planet is deteriorating, unless we change our form of energy into a greener alternative. Deterioration of our planet may occur at a faster rate. The depletion of fossil fuels is detrimental to our environment. By substituting fossil fuels with the solar energy, our planet will benefit. These benefits include: reduced climate change, beneficial economic opportunities on both a large scale benefitting our government and on a smaller scale helping individuals decrease their energy bills, and solar energy is renewable and sustainable.

The world's natural resources are being consumed at an alarming rate. As these resources diminish, people will be seeking alternative sources by which to generate electricity for heat and light. The only practical short-term solution for the energy/pollution crisis should be nuclear power because it is available, cleaner and safer.

It is no secret that the earth is in need of a new sustainable source of energy. There is a limited supply of fossil fuels on the planet, and the energy-generating solutions that are currently in action are only decelerating the rate of consumption of nonrenewable energy. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that the earth will run out of useable fossil fuels by 2088 if the current rates of consumption continue. A promising long-term solution to this crisis is space-based solar power (SBSP). To attain SBSP, satellites are sent up in space to obtain direct and constant solar energy, then laser technology beams the gathered energy down to earth where it can be constantly and globally utilized. Space-based solar power is not a new idea, the Department of Energy first studied it in the 1970s, and NASA took another look in the '90s. The stumbling block has been less the engineering challenge than the cost (Sofge). Funding for space-based solar power is costly, but not unreasonable. As the current energy on earth depletes and the urgency for a new sustainable source grows, there must be greater steps made towards a solution. Space-based solar power is a viable solution to the world’s looming need for a new energy source, but in order to make this idea a reality more funding is needed.