Opaque Solar Shield in Geosynchronous Orbit: Plausibility + Challenges of Maintaining Orbit

Suppose humans of the late 21st century or beyond began constructing a solar shield as a solution to climate change. Suppose for some reason (open to suggestions) they choose to build the shield in geosynchronous orbit, rather than at the L1 point. Suppose the shield is opaque, and large enough that it casts a daily eclipse on the Earth's surface. Is this plausible?

If so, how much thrust would be required for the sunshield to maintain its position? Would it be possible to supply that thrust using only solar energy and electric propulsion, via an electrodynamic tether system for example, such that the shield could remain in orbit without ongoing deliveries of chemical propellant?

By my calculations, if the shield was proportional to the moon in terms of eclipse potential, but at the distance of geosynchronous orbit, it would be approximately 340 km in diameter. Without knowing much about the potential progress of materials science in the next century, I assume, even if shield was very thin, the mass of it would make it's construction practical only to a civilization with functional space elevators. But, perhaps astroid mining could also provide the necessary materials without the launch costs.

posted over 5 years ago

Irving Washington‭

1 reputation 3 0 0 0