Effects of the ionosphere on the phase control link are not known definitively, however existing data & analysis indicate that they are probably insignificantly small at the frequencies and power densities being considered. The effects on the ionosphere induced by the microwave power beam are believed to be small. However, from the point.of view of other users of the ionosphere and its participation in natural processes there mav yet be limits imposed on the power density. The theoretical approaches to doing this are known but the limits that may yet be imposed are unknown. Development risk rating should be 4. The electrical power transfer function, at this large size and power level across flexing and rotating joints, can not be separated from the mechanical and attitude control functions entirely. Although the technology for performing the functions is basically known, the large scale will present significant new problems. Development risk rating should be 4. Switch gear had been conceived assuming multiple brushes from high voltage DC source transferred power to a single slip ring. Extraordinarily high currents in the switch gear resulted and would be the subject of a high risk (4+) technology development program. Decision has now been made to make the multiple brushes feed multiple slip rings, bringing the individual switch gear currents close to the region where the basic technology is known and the major advances would be in packaging for space operations. Risk rating should then be 4-. Some aspects of the packaging technology having to do largely with size are not known, which leads to a risk rating of 4-.
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