Fig. 27. Large-scale inverted test concept erations. Such a reference system should not be interpreted as a preferred or baseline design, nor should research and technology programs be limited to a single approach. As described earlier, the concept evaluation phase of the program is currently underway. This phase is scheduled for completion in 1980. It will result in a recommendation as to whether the concept should be explored further and, if so, in what manner. The recommendation will be based on technical feasibility, economic and environmental considerations, and comparisons with other potential systems of the future. It is premature to speculate on the conclusions and recommendations from the evaluation program as to whether or not the program should proceed to the next phase. However, the systems definition studies conducted to date have provided us with insight about the nature of technological activities that might be conducted in an exploratory research base. A key feature of such an exploratory research program would be laboratory development and testing to provide quantitative data concerning the microwave transmission system. Such an effort would provide not only technological data related to feasibility, performance, and transmission efficiency but also the means for critical environmental assessments. The microwave program should be complemented by efforts in other disciplines to provide answers to critical questions. Examples of these efforts have been given in the foregoing discussion. Following an exploratory research program which would be primarily ground based, a series of space projects would constitute the next phase in the development of the concept. The space project phase is not completely defined at the present time.
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