Figure 56 Technology and Hardware Development Risk Rating Definition Phase control subsystems must perform with high accuracy to keep beam scattering losses at acceptable levels and also to point the power beam at the center of the rectenna for both high efficiency and safety. The tolerable errors are sufficiently small that early development and demonstration is mandatory The slotted waveguides represent a substantially high risk because of the need for low weight, stable propagation with small phase errors, low cost manufactureability, probably in orbit, and need for orbital assembly. The design of a dc-rf converter—waveguide interface suitable for on-orbit assembly is considered in this category, and it involves all the key technologies noted. Alternatives to the conventional rectangular waveguide construction may prove advantageous in this application and should be explored. Finally, the structure represents a high risk until its materials, thermal distortion and produceability are established.
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