MSNBC is reporting that the Pentagon is talking about a Space Based Solar Power (SBSP) system. The idea is to put into orbit huge solar collector arrays that convert the energy from the sun into microwaves that can be focused and beamed to receptors on Earth.

Evidently the technology really exists to do this, and each one could produce gigawatts of electricity to be beamed to any area of the planet, where the new energy can be added to the local power grid. The question being asked is would it be economically feasible?

Personally I think that is the wrong question. With oil hitting $80 a barrel, and with energy costs having continued to rise through my entire life, I (and I am sure you) have no doubts that it will continue to rise. So why not have our own energy resource? One that is renewable, one that doesn't add to the pollution levels, one that expands our technical knowledge and skills, gives us an advantage in space, and DOESN'T fund all the crazy oil owning regimes in the world? At least the money will stay here in the U.S.. And I for one would pay more for that.

That's my 2 cents.

You can read the full story at MSNBC by clicking here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21253268/

Posted at 11:37AM Oct 12, 2007 by Lou Wallace in Produce  |  Comments[0]