Fig. 1. SPS organization. The CDEP will culminate in 1980 with statements of what is known and not known with respect to the SPS concept and with recommendations based on the existing state of knowledge. If a decision to proceed with SPS is forthcoming, the period beyond 1980 would include experiments, analyses, and technological activities that would support a soundly based decision on whether or not to proceed with a series of projects for verification of the concept. FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION The functional organization to achieve CDEP objectives is shown in Fig. 1. The Satellite Power Systems Project Office (SPSPO) is part of the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Research. Systems Definition defines the Reference System for which the assessment is being made. In addition, this effort assesses the impact of emerging technologies and conducts required critical experimental supporting investigations. The Environmental Assessment includes effects of (1) microwave radiation on health and ecology, (2) other (nonmicrowave) impacts on health and ecology, (3) launch vehicle effluents on the atmosphere, (4) ionospheric disruptions on telecommunications, and (5) direct coupling of SPS microwave energy on electromagnetic systems. The Societal Assessment deals with resources (land, material, and energy); institutions (governmental, utilities, and financial); international concerns (agreements, organizations, and military implications); and public concerns. The Comparative Assessment compares SPS with future energy alternatives — including coal, nuclear, and terrestrial solar energy systems — on the basis of cost, performance, and environmental and societal impacts.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==