Launching a satellite into space to capture energy from the sun is a bold enough idea.
But, in this increasingly interconnected world, global politics and business trends are representing a growing challenge to researchers and financial backers in this market.
From a cost perspective, it might be best for a company or government body to build a launching facility on a Pacific island near the equator, says Philip Chapman, a former Nasa scientist who is a proponent of this movement. Yet, he warns, "it'll also give that organisation or country strong advances of military uses in space".
"There are issues here about national security," says Mr Chapman.
Assuming space-based solar farms do become a reality, many questions remain unanswered, such as which countries would control the programmes?
With deep cuts made to Nasa's budget in recent years, the United States certainly does not have this market locked down.
Meanwhile, growing space initiatives based in Asian countries such as China and India represent a new shift that had not been considered back in the 1960s and 1970s, when space-based solar satellites first became a topic of serious discussion.
"China has shown strong interest, and made overtures with India, to make a joint programme on solar powered satellites," says Mr Chapman.
Indeed, last year, the China Academy of Space Technology proposed collaborating with space officials from India.
At the same time, there are numerous business concerns investors want addressed before they agree to back expensive projects. If ownership of a solar-based satellite - or a group of them - came down to a single company, or a consortium of businesses, how would the technology enhance or compete with existing solar energy providers here on Earth?
To address some of these issues, scientists say they are working with a mix of both government bodies and private sector enterprises while seeking funding from each.
They also note space-based solar would complement - but not replace - energy that harnesses the sun but is produced here on earth. Many of their reports, though, do push terrestrial solar as a replacement for fossil fuels or nuclear power.
"People have looked over the years at both solar power and nuclear power but in the inner solar system where the sun shines pretty much constantly, solar energy makes almost an almost unbeatable option," says John Mankins, the president of Artemis Innovation Management Solutions, a consultancy firm.
Given their stance in this market, it has been difficult over the past few decades for proponents to convince some private businesses to invest in the idea.
One key may be to approach satellite manufacturers the same way automotive makers link to parts suppliers. By building a broader ecosystem, there may be more parties interested in having space-based solar satellites take off.
"If you look at the infrastructure you have a few big players like Mitsubishi and Battelle, and you have a large number of companies that build piece parts - like Ford - and then hundreds of companies with parts," says Mr Mankins.
"Here you'd have no more than six to 10 basic pieces, and each of those would have components."
business@thenational.ae
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Profile of Bitex UAE
Date of launch: November 2018
Founder: Monark Modi
Based: Business Bay, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: Eight employees
Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor
Power: 843hp at N/A rpm
Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km
On sale: October to December
Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
AGL AWARDS
Golden Ball - best Emirati player: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
Golden Ball - best foreign player: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Golden Glove - best goalkeeper: Adel Al Hosani (Sharjah)
Best Coach - the leader: Abdulaziz Al Anbari (Sharjah)
Fans' Player of the Year: Driss Fetouhi (Dibba)
Golden Boy - best young player: Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
Goal of the Year: Michael Ortega (Baniyas)
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
'Panga'
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
2019 Asian Cup final
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%208
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Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
CREW
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