Often touted as the Space Age’s ultimate solution to terrestrial energy problems, expectations for the potential of space solar power waned with the decline of the national space agencies by the end of the 20th century, though its advocates have remained to the present day. Critically dependent upon the economy of launch capability, the need for a massive on-orbit industrial infrastructure, and the ability to source materials in space, the concept has long presented a ‘chicken-or-egg’ dilemma with its implementation. Barring the improbable creation of a multi-national dual ‘Manhattan Project’ for space and renewable energy development, it demanded an infrastructure for its implementation that could only be paid for with the kind of sustained revenue it would itself produce only when comple