implement the SPS programme should serve to underline the need for a thorough ground and flight development programme during which these technologies can be developed and verified. Investigations carried out so far, mainly by studies, strongly suggest that none of the critical technologies so far identified is incapable of solution, although few of them are easy. The very wide range and scope of the technologies so far identified suggest that the resources to study and develop them may best be organised on an international basis. In the event that the SPS eventually proceeds to a development and an operational phase, then the need for international participation is evident from many other aspects such as institutional, legal, commercial, and political. Perhaps the seeds of such participation could be sown in the fields of technology outlined above. Acknowledgements — The author wishes to thank British Aerospace Dynamics, Bristol Division, for permission to publish this paper and to acknowledge support given by colleagues in its preparation. REFERENCES 1. Satellite Power System, Reference System Report, US Dept, of Energy and NASA DOE/ER-0023. 2. S. Greenberg, SPS Structures, 1980 Technology Status Review. 3. R.A. Henderson, Proceedings XXXth IAF Congress, Sept. 21st 1979, Munich, Paper IAF-79-F-187, Pergamon Press. 1980.
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