Task I - Preliminary Analysis: To identify potential high efficiency, low cost and low weight in orbit system configurations. Task II - Conceptual Design: To estimate in greater detail and accuracy than in Task I selected systems cost, weight and performance. Task III - Technical and Economic Evaluation of Systems: To compare the conceptual designs on the basis of such considerations as cost, weight, reliability, development risk, and to select one concept for further study. Task IV - Development of Ground Test Program: To define a ground test program with its associated technology development and to estimate the cost of the program. Task V - Development of Orbital Test Program: To develop a program for a series of orbital tests associated with technology development and to scope the schedule and cost of the program. Task VI - Reporting: To provide periodic technical, financial and schedule reporting and to provide a final report. The study concentrated on the microwave power transmission system (MPTS) for transmitting power from space to earth, and as such the results are independent of the power source selected. For example, a solar thermal converter or a nuclear reactor in orbit could be considered in place of a solar photovoltaic power source. Nevertheless, the solar photovoltaic source remains the best known and studied of alternatives, and so was used for purposes of illustration where required. The study examined system performance, including efficiency and cost and component size and weights as a function of ranges of variables for the Microwave Power Transmission System (MPTS) which included: Ground Power Output Operating Frequency DC-RF Converter Power Level DC-RF Converter Type - Amplitron Klystron Transmitting Antenna Subarray Size Transmitting Antenna Subarray Power Levels
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