0191 -9067/80/040263-01502.00/0 Copyright c 1980 SUNS AT Energy Council EDITORIAL When asked by OMNI magazine (August, 1980) whether he supports the proposal for Solar Power Satellites, Dennis Hayes, Director of SERI, replied as follows: SERI is not doing any work directly related to that, and so I am not deeply knowledgeable about it. My personal reading of practical politics today is that it’s going to be very difficult to pursue any energy option that requires an expenditure of eighty billion dollars before you get anything out of it. Moreover, even if the optimistic projections for the cost of power from such satellites proves accurate — and this is very far from being assured — I think we can meet the same cost goals with fewer risks by using terrestrial solar technologies. This statement probably accurately reflects the attitude of many in Washington and sums up neatly SPS’s credibility problem. It would seem that this problem can only be countered by a twofold approach. First, a new thrust must be established to reduce SPS front-end costs, possibly with modular designs that allow a start with smaller satellites which are “on-line” systems but which are expandable to higher power later on. The problem with the smaller systems, of course, is lower efficiency, but have we become entrapped by a “5 GW” mentality to the point where our thinking is too constrained? The reference system had a purpose. It has served that purpose well. Now we must go on from there. This of course will take more dollars. Second, the question of risk relative to terrestrial solar must be addressed repeatedly in professional reports which are made available to the public. It is not sufficient to simply assert that terrestrial and space solar are complimentary rather than competitive. Rather, the advantages and disadvantages, e.g., energy costs, etc., roles and function of each must continue to be thoroughly and honestly explored, and the results discussed openly in a public forum such as the SPACE SOLAR POWER REVIEW. These issues are, of course, being addressed in the DOE program, but the work is far from complete and what work has been done has not reached all the players. Let’s have more papers. JOHN W. FREEMAN Editor-in-Chief
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