SECTION 14 CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AND ORBITAL TEST PROGRAM The orbital test program builds upon the technology developed and demonstrated in the ground program phases. It carries the technology development and demonstration forward to the space environment and provides a base upon which to plan and build a prototype or more appropriately a pilot plant in synchronous orbit that would have gigawatt level power transmission capability. The orbital test program is planned to accomplish the mandatory and highly desirable objectives given below. It results in three elements: critical technology, a small satellite in geosynchronous orbit, and a low earth orbit test facility. The low earth orbit test facility may be considered for use at geosynchronous altitude to further develop the system and/or to serve as a nucleus for a later pilot plant. Appendix K provides additional detail considerations to aid in detail planning of the ground and orbital test program. 14. 1 ORBITAL TEST OBJECTIVES The test objectives have been organized into mandatory, highly desirable and desirable categories as listed below: a. Mandatory Ml. Convert power from dc to rf radiating it in progressive magnitudes measuring performance, noise, harmonics and functional characteristics including those associated with normal and malfunctioning conditions. M2. Provide verification data to support the integrated proof of concept for the Microwave Power Transmission System (MPTS). Supporting data are to be provided for the operational system equipment concepts and flow of activities from ground based manufacturing through orbital manufacturing, assembly, operations and maintenance. Verify that the resulting procedures and equipments function and perform properly at the range of rf power densities anticipated for the operational equipment and systems. M3. Demonstrate, at geosynchronous altitude, the starting of the dc to rf generator in its appropriate environment.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==