subject of multiple beams was discussed at the SPS Conference in Nebraska at both sessions on Power Transmission in the following papers: I. Power Transmission I — ‘‘Microwave System Performance Summary.” 2. Power Transmission II— ‘‘High-Power Microwave Optics for Flexible Power Transmission Systems.” 3. Power Transmission II — “SPS Power Transmission — Are Multiple Beams a Better Option For Europe?” Dr. Woodard is generally correct concerning the advantages of the concept. Our studies to date have generated some questions of implementation, however. It may be possible to jitter the RF pattern across the array fast enough to meet the thermal time constants, however, components must still be able to withstand stresses encountered at the combined power levels, and must be able to be amplitude modulated at the jitter frequency. Implementation of a phase control system for multiple beam formation and pointing at one or more rectenna sites presents many unanswered questions. Variation in sidelobe levels with scan and number of beams is an unknown, and will probably require determination by empirical methods. R. H. Dietz SPS Microwave Systems To the Editor: Obviously the enclosed “manuscript” is not exactly within the scope of your SPACE SOLAR POWER REVIEW. Somehow each of us is drawn to space in his or her own individual way and as one moves along through life one contributes in the way that he can. Hence the poem. LIFE AMONG THE STARS Go to Space? No reason is clear Except we must. Time is near. Earth’s great cradle, mysterious and black Calling us forward, calling us back. And what is space, but a stage to play Our gift of living for brief life's stay. To live, life must seek, know and find That strange singularity to satisfy its mind. Forward we go among the stars. Our orb has nurtured human being, and other Stand strong and proud O’ brave mother. The West is gone, what will we do! The moon glimpsed Apollo, but are we through! Let’s accept the challenge, a task not great To refuse, a sadness too hard to take. Gravity’s child arise and see Strike hard, aim high what man can be! To life among the stars.
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