Sci-Tech: New techniques could greatly boost solar power

Here are reports on two potential big improvements in solar power collection.

Nanometer sized antennas could convert a much wider range of the solar spectrum into useful electric power  than conventional solar cells (via CitizensInSpace.org):

And a new paper in Science reports on a technique to hurdle over a fundamental barrier to the efficiency of photons creating free electrons in solar cells: New solar cell coating could boost efficiency – R&D Magazine.

The Space Show this week

Here is the list of guests for The Space Show this week:

1. Monday, April 29, 2013, 2-3:30 PM PST (5-6:30 PM EST, 4-5:30 PM CST): ED WRIGHT joins us for Citizens in Space updates and info about the upcoming Space Hacker Workshop in Silicon Valley: http://spacehacker.eventbrite.com/#.

2. Tuesday, April 30, 2013 2013, 7-8:30 PM PST (10-11:30 PM EST, 9-10:30 PM CST): Retired astronaut JERRY ROSS is with us to discuss his new book, Spacewalker.

3. Friday, May 3: , 2013, 9:30-11 AM PST (11:30- 1 PM CST, 12:30PM-2:00 PM EST): As of press time, our guest for this program is yet to be determined but will either be DR. SARAH CRUDDAS of the UK or FRANK STRATFORD from Australia. We are awaiting final scheduling requirements. Please check the website newsletter for guest details and any program time changes for this Friday program. You can find the website newsletter at www.thespaceshow.com/newsletterfinal.htm.

4. Sunday, May 5, 2013, 12-1:30 PM PST (3-4:30 PM EST, 2-3:30 PM CST). We welcome HU DAVIS AND BILL KETCHUM to the show to discuss space policy, SSP [Space Solar Power], and much more, all from two highly regarded and well respected space veterans.
See also:
/– The Space Show on Vimeo – webinar videos
/– The Space Show’s Blog – summaries of interviews.
/– The Space Show Classroom Blog – tutorial programs

The Space Show is a project of the One Giant Leap Foundation.

Carnival of Space #299 – Tranquility Base

The Tranquility Base blog hosts the latest Carnival of Space.

The Space Show: Marc Fusco & Space Age politics + John Batchelor Show: Jeff Foust & Chelyabinsk

Marc Fusco talked on The Space Show on Sunday about “Space history and presidential politics with JFK, Presidents Johnson & Nixon”: Marc Fusco, Sunday, 4-28-13 – Thespaceshow’s Blog.

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Jeff Foust of The Space Review   (+ spacetoday.net, Space Politics, and NewSpace Journal) spoke on the John Batchelor Show last Tuesday 04/23/13 about the Chelyabinsk fireball event.

Space policy roundup – April 28, 2013

Some space policy related items today:

 

 

Everyone can participate in space