Large Space Systems in Global Change Mitigation

by Lyle M. Jenkins, Johnson Space Cent, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space II

Abstract:

Alternative courses of action are an important aspect of reacting to climate changes, including the greenhouse effect, and other environmental issues such as depletion of the ozone layer. Earth orbit represents a vantage point to overview the global environment. This capability is being used to develop a scientific understanding of Earth system processes and their interactions. As this understanding is incorporated into computer models with the proficiency to predict the course of global change, deliberate action may be needed to prevent or mitigate the effects of change. An activity is proposed that defines and evaluates very large space systems concepts for feasibility in actively reducing or averting the effect of environmental deviations. This effort must build on the Earth system research objectives to be valid and to result in feasible concepts that are well understood and to show benefits that overwhelm risks in implementation. Some of the issues are addressed in this paper.

Subject Headings: Mitigation and remediation | Solar power | Power plants | Ozone | Orbits | Computer models | Climate change

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