configurations, and laser beams for transmitting energy to earth. Critical studies are being initiated of microwave beam forming, pointing, and control, the performance of DC-RF tubes and solid-state amplifiers, the effects of the space environment on SPS construction materials, and structural dynamics and control. The potential problems associated with preventing the de-orbiting of the SPS satellites in geostationary orbit and assembly facilities and equipment in low-earth orbit are being studied. Decommissioning of satellites after useful life also is being studied. STATUS OF THE ASSESSMENT Environmental Assessment A preliminary environmental assessment report was published (3-4), and an updated version is currently in peer review. A survey report on the biological effects of microwaves (5) was published, and experiments with bees, mice, and birds have started. Experiments to assess the biological effects of low-dose, long-term exposures to microwaves are being developed. Priority experiments, identified by the microwave bioeffects peer group are listed below. Effects on Airborne Biota Teratology (Fetal Insult) Immunological/Hematological (Blood) Effects Behavioral Effects Central Nervous System Effects Field Complexity Effects Research Quality Assurance Other non-microwave effects on health and ecology are being assessed, and experiments are underway to determine the potential effects of high energy atomic particles in geostationary space on space workers. Preliminary estimates of the reflected light from the satellites are completed, and the impacts on optical astronomy and on ecology are being assessed. The impact of the SPS microwave beam on radio astronomy is being assessed. Analyses and reports describing these efforts are being prepared. Modifications to the surfaces of the satellite and to the antenna may be required to minimize these effects. The effects of SPS deployment and operation on the atmosphere are being assessed. Reports describing the effects of rectenna heating and launch vehicles effluents on the troposphere, on the ionosphere, and on the magnetosphere are in preparation. Experiments to determine the impacts on telecommunications systems of ionosphere disturbances produced by SPS microwave beam heating have been, and are being, conducted at the radio astronomy facility at Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and the telecommunication facility at Platteville, Colorado. Analyses are underway. The work to date is in the D-layer and E-layer; facility upgrade is required to study F-layer impacts. The electromagnetic compatibility of SPS with other users of the radio-frequency (RF) spectrum is being studied. Some 40 existing generic RF systems (e.g. radars,
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