Fig. 28. Space technology 1958-1978 proper attention must be given to the timespan with which the concept is identified. Even the enthusiastic advocates of the concept would agree that it will take 15-25 years to implement a full-scale satellite. Given that time period, the progress in space and technology over the last 20 years as briefly summarized in Fig. 28 should be noted. During that time, an extensive and intensive advancement of technology in all aspects of space activities has been effected; satellites have demonstrated long life without maintenance; reliable communications have been effected over millions of miles as well as for extensive commercial application; solar cell and fuel cell energy systems have been developed and applied to space needs; space transportation systems capable of lifting 109 Mg (120 tons) to low Earth orbit have been developed and reusable transportation systems are imminent; and, finally, manned operations have been conducted 386,000 km (240,000 statute miles) from Earth and for up to 90 days near Earth. There are many other ways of measuring technological advances, such as computer efficiencies and the great reduction in computation costs. The question is whether the confidence exists that advances over the next 20 years will be comparable to those of the last 20 years. The question of financial resources is an obvious one in relation to the pursuit of the Solar Power Satellite concept. It is recognized that, at this time, the demands on the Federal budget are stringent. Many programs are competing for funds in a time when the budget must be constrained. Consequently, it is not surprising that large amounts of funding may not be able to be allocated to the study of this concept. A program so limited, however, must have a proportionately larger degree of positive management support and leadership in view of the importance of the concept's potential. In conclusion, it is believed that the Solar Power Satellite concept is one, if not the only, potential space project that appears possible that can provide a needed resource of incomparable importance. Given such a situation, it warrants most careful consideration and support. REFERENCES 1. P.E. Glaser, Power from the Sun, Science, 162, 856-861 (Nov. 1968). 2. P.E. Glaser, O.E. Maynard, J. Mockovciak, and E.L. Ralph, Feasibility Study of a Satellite Solar Power Station, NASA CR-2357, Feb. 1974. 3. Satellite Power System Engineering and Economic Analysis — Summary. NASA TMX-7334, Nov. 1976. 4. Initial Technical, Environmental, and Economic Evaluation of Space Solar Power Concepts, Vols. 1 and 2, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Aug. 1976.
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