WELCOMING LETTER I have been following the development of the Satellite Power System (SPS) concept for several years as a result of my responsibilities in the Department of Energy (DOE). From the joint DOE/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) evaluation project, we are learning a great deal about SPS. Our aim is an initial assessment of the technical possibility, economic viability, and the environmental and social acceptability of the concept. As you are aware, the report will detail what we know, and equally important, what we do not know about SPS. The report will be available for governmental decision-makers and others in 1980. One cannot fail to be impressed with the enormity of the SPS concept. The dimensions and complexity of the problem—engineering, economic, environmental and social—make it particularly challenging to communicate to a broad spectrum of the public. In my judgment, your publication is a timely input to the kind of participatory technology process we at the DOE are trying to encourage by the SPS Concept Development and Evaluation Program. I welcome your contribution to this process and wish you every success. JOHN M. DEUTCH Under Secretary Department of Energy Washington, D. C. 20585
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