November 2023 - Newsletter
Technoeconomic Model Dev
We are often asked about our orbit selection of a 12h Medium Earth Orbit as opposed to a 24h Geosynchronous/Geostationary Orbit. This month we devised a version of our architecture that works in those 24h orbits. Given the availability of launch vehicles in the next decade, we found that launch costs ballooned from $1,888/kg to $10,188/kg. This doubles unit economics for energy costs, and triples capex. We find it great that we could perform a direct comparison and confirm that our solution is extremely competitive.
Newlab (https://www.newlab.com/)
We were accepted into the Newlab incubator on Nov. 3, and will take up residence shortly in the new Michigan Central campus.
Launch Infrastructure
In case you missed it, SpaceX attempted a second launch of the Starship/Super Heavy vehicle - much progress towards commercial heavy lift was demonstrated. I'd recommend the Everyday Astronaut video clip coverage:
US Space Solar Power Legislation
On Nov. 15 Congressman Mullin and Congressman McCormick added the below amendment to the Commercial Space Bill, and it was endorsed by Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Lofgren, and passed on a voice vote.
AMENDMENT TO H.R. 6131
OFFERED BY MR. MULLIN OF CALIFORNIA
Add at the end the following:
SEC. 15. REPORT ON COMMERCIAL SPACE-BASED SOLAR POWER.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Space Commerce shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report on commercial space-based solar power that includes the following:
(1) A description of the commercial viability of commercial space-based solar power, incorporating and building upon findings, recommendations, and identified research and development needs in any National Aeronautics and Space Administration report on commercial space-based solar power and its feasibility.
(2) An outline of areas for new or updated international agreements or cooperation that, if commercial space-based solar power were to become feasible in the future, may be needed to deploy and maintain such in orbit.
(3) A detail of the investments being made with respect to commercial space-based solar power by other countries and, if appropriate, international progress toward its practical and commercial viability.
See their comments in the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbyfKP5krqQ&t=11680s
Team
We welcome our newest intern Yuvam Bhateja from Politecnico di Milano for a six month stint working on rectifiers.
Fundraising
We continue to negotiate with a lead investor - have been told we will have news this month.
Media
A survey paper from the International Astronomical Conference came out last month of all SBSP competitors globally. We are described:
Virtus Solis has not publicized fundraising amounts but they are likely to be one of the best funded, and among some of the furthest along, space solar power startups.
https://www.factoriesinspace.com/graphs/Space-Solar-Power-2023_Erik-Kulu_IAC2023.pdf
Our recent presentations are up on our YouTube channel and our Blog.
Live Demos:
CogX 2023: https://youtu.be/ETXOYhkyuXQ
WIRED Energy Tech Summit: https://youtu.be/p4OJmSY3QFQ
Seraphim Space Accelerator Investor Pitch: https://youtu.be/9btN1CnnH0s
Other materials:
Mission Video: https://youtu.be/SgS7BZIKuDQ?si=OM5Ovwbi2vWtb-y-
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttjgyvyPRHa7e1gp9jtN5Q
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtus-solis-technologies/
