Papers
9
Total Citations
506
H-Index
4
About
John C. Mankins is a pioneering researcher in space solar power (SSP) systems and wireless power transmission technologies, whose work has helped shape the modern vision of harvesting solar energy in orbit and delivering it to Earth. His most influential contribution, "Space Solar Power Programs and Microwave Wireless Power Transmission Technology" (2002), has accumulated over 440 citations and remains a foundational reference for understanding the complex system-of-systems challenges inherent in large-scale SSP development. Alongside his 2001 paper exploring SSP as a major new energy option, Mankins helped reignite serious scientific and policy interest in concepts that had lain dormant since the late 1970s. Beyond Earth-orbiting power systems, his research extended to lunar applications, including innovative concepts such as thermal wadis for supporting lunar surface operations and laser-based wireless power transmission for polar lunar outposts. His work on robotic in-space assembly, high-voltage solar electric propulsion arrays, and sustainable lunar infrastructure further demonstrates his broad systems-engineering perspective. Mankins' career represents a sustained effort to bridge ambitious long-term energy concepts with practical, incremental technology demonstrations, making him a central figure in the ongoing evolution of space-based renewable energy research.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Space solar power programs and microwave wireless power transmission technology444 citations · 2002
- 2Space Solar Power: A Major New Energy Option?36 citations · 2001
- 3Thermal Wadis in Support of Lunar Science & Exploration8 citations · 2008
- 4Space Solar Power Technology Demonstration for Lunar Polar Applications4 citations · 2002
- 5
- 6Stepping stones to the future: Achieving a sustainable lunar outpost3 citations · 2009
- 7
- 8
- 9