Solar collectors above earth's atmosphere?

I've been toying with a concept to float huge, earth-tethered, helium-filled, photovoltaic collector fitted balloons above earth's atmosphere over the polar regions to collect solar energy 24/7/365. Tethers could double as power transmission conduits back to earth-based DC/AC inverters to be distributed to the grid. Other tethers could serve as helium balancing system conduits, as well as weather and other data collection conduits.

In addition, these mega-balloons could provide shading for the polar areas, slowing glacial melting.

In my non-expert opinion, such a concept is feasible, though I know it will take some great minds to design, engineer and construct such a system.

Sound feasible? Or totally whacked?

Tags: balloons, collector, collectors, filled, helium, photovoltaics, power, solar

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Permalink Reply by Susan B on July 22, 2008 at 4:51pm: I actually saw that same idea last night on the Discovery Channel.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by w1z111 on July 22, 2008 at 5:16pm: Really? I'd like to review that. Know where it might be posted online? I'll look at Discovery's website to see.
Thanks!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by w1z111 on July 22, 2008 at 5:46pm: I looked at Discovery's website, but can't find anything like this. There's one about NASA's "solar sail" for powering satellites, etc., but nothing like this.
Any idea where I might see what you saw?
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Permalink Reply by Susan B on July 22, 2008 at 5:49pm: Saw it on Discover Channel on TV, not sure where you would find it on the web.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susan B on July 22, 2008 at 6:02pm: Let me add addendum: It only suggested a plan for solar panels outside the earth's atmosphere, not protection for polar ice caps.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by w1z111 on July 23, 2008 at 9:22am

Ahh...yes, I have seen some things about solar collectors being placed into orbit, and the electricity they generate would be converted to microwaves and beamed to earth receivers. I think Japan is currently proposing to do this relatively soon, but not sure just when. There are still a few major engineering hurdles to work out, I think.
Thanks for your feedback.

Solar collectors above earth's atmosphere?

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