Space Solar Power in Wargaming: How Astrion is Revolutionizing Energy Security for Defense

Reshaping the Battlefield Through Space-Based Energy

The technology readiness level to deliver space solar power has only recently evolved to become economically viable for Department of Defense (DoD) investments. This near-future capability offers unique, game-changing options to warfighters across all domains. Traditional military operations across the competition continuum have long been constrained by logistics chains, with fuel and battery transport representing significant vulnerabilities. Space solar power fundamentally alters this paradigm by enabling direct power transmission to receivers in theater, dramatically reducing logistical footprints while enhancing operational flexibility.

Wargaming: The Critical Path to Operational Integration

Today’s military wargames often track operations on two-dimensional maps with space capabilities reduced to “white carded” injects limited by the expertise of planners present at the game. This approach fails to capture the transformative potential of emerging technologies like space solar power. Recognizing this gap, Astrion collaborates with the services, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and AFRL to properly account for space operational energy in Title 10 wargames.

Astrion’s Distinctive Modeling and Simulation Expertise

What distinguishes Astrion in this field is its development of sophisticated software tools that augment Title 10 wargames, enabling space planners to train with both current capabilities and near-future technologies including on-orbit refueling, rapid replenishment, mobile launch, nuclear power & propulsion, and space solar power beaming. These simulation environments allow military planners to explore the operational impacts of these technologies before they reach full maturity.

Astrion’s modeling frameworks create realistic scenarios where commanders must make decisions about defending critical assets on the ground and in space while simultaneously managing novel energy resources. This approach reveals how outcomes in space directly impact the success or failure of joint forces operations, creating a holistic understanding of future conflicts where space-based energy plays a central role.

The company’s test and evaluation expertise, combined with its deep understanding of space systems, positions Astrion uniquely to drive innovation in this critical intersection of energy security and space operations. Astrion’s work helps transition these tools to Air Force and Space Force wargaming cadres, ensuring these revolutionary concepts reach the warfighters who will implement them.

Beyond Defense: Transforming Global Energy Infrastructure

The implications of Astrion’s work extend far beyond military applications. There exists a large, untapped commercial market for space solar power technology, though the investment return timeline has historically been too long for private sector development. This will quickly change once the DoD proves technical maturity with SSPB becoming even more ubiquitous and more easily monetized than satellite navigation.

By pioneering the integration of space solar power into military planning and operations, Astrion is laying groundwork for a fundamental transformation in how humanity generates and distributes energy. The company’s modeling and simulation work serves as the critical bridge between theoretical potential and practical implementation.

As space becomes increasingly contested, the nation that masters the generation and transmission of power from orbit will gain decisive advantages across all domains of warfare. Through its innovative wargaming tools and unique expertise in space solar power, Astrion is ensuring that the United States maintains technological superiority in this critical frontier, while simultaneously creating the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient global energy infrastructure for generations to come.