CONCLUSION Although much has been accomplished in gaining our present understanding of the SPS concept, more work is required to reduce remaining uncertainties. By the end of FY 1980, the following work will, as a minimum, have been completed: • An updated Reference System • Preliminary studies of — a solid-state microwave system and a laser option • An updated Environmental Assessment including — preliminary experimental results of the effects of high-level microwave exposures on rodents, bees, and birds designs of experiments for determining effects of long-term, low-level microwave exposures preliminary data on SPS microwave heating of the F-layer of the ionosphere effectiveness/cost of mitigation strategies for electronic systems, and a preliminary assessment of the effects of SPS transportation systems effluents on the atmosphere • An updated Societal Assessment including — an analysis of SPS material requirements possible strategies for international participation a preliminary assessment of the SPS interface with utility grid systems, and a preliminary assessment of public reaction to the SPS concept • A Comparative Assessment of SPS and other energy options including — cost and performance environmental and societal issues • An overall Program Assessment • A Ground Based Exploratory Development Plan. The SPS assessment is proceeding at a pace commensurate with our understanding of the issues. Moving too rapidly could result in wasted efforts, however, moving too slowly could unnecessarily delay the deployment of SPS should it prove to be a viable energy option. In facing the challenge of SPS, we should not be timid nor should we repeat past errors by rushing into technologies or systems designs that may lock us into environmentally and economically unsound concepts. REFERENCES 1. U.S. Department of Energy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Satellite Power System (SPS) Concept and Development Program Plan: July 1977-August 1980, February 1978. DOE/ET-0034. Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Stock No. 061-000-00031-3. 2. U.S. Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Reference System Report, October 1978. DOE/ER-0022. 3. S.L. Halverson, et al. Preliminary Environmental Assessment for the Satellite Power System (SPS), Vol. I, Argonne National Laboratory, October 1978. DOE/ER-0021/L 4. S.L. Halverson, et al., Preliminary Environmental Assessment for the Satellite Power System (SPS), Vol. II, Argonne National Laboratory, October 1978. DOE/ER-0021/2. 5. R.D. Phillips, et al., Compilation and Assessment of Microwave Bioeffects, Final Report: A Selective Review of the Literature on Biological Effects of Microwaves in Relation to the Satellite Power System (SPS), May 1978. PNL-2634 (rev.). 6. A. Bachrach, Satellite Power System (SPS) Public Acceptance, Environmental Resource Group, October 1978. HCP/R-4024-04.
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