0191-9067/82/030251-01503.00/0 Copyright ® 1982 SUNSAT Energy Council MEETING REPORT ON THE SPECIAL CONFERENCE ON PRIME-POWER FOR HIGH-ENERGY SPACE SYSTEMS JOHN W. FREEMAN Space Solar Power Research Program Rice University, P.O. Box 1892 Houston, Texas 77001, USA A special conference was held February 22 through 25 at Norfolk, VA, to discuss Prime-Power for Space Systems. The meeting was organized by P. Turchi of R&D Associates. It consisted of ten sessions plus a summary session. The session topics were Prime Power Needs; Chemical Sources; Chemical/MHD Systems; Nuclear Sources; Power Conversion Systems such as Brayton, and Rankin and Thermalelectric systems; Radiant Systems such as photovoltaic, and thermal photovoltaic; Microwave and Solar Pumped Lasers; Materials for Various Applications; Chemical Physics; Thermionics; Heat Systems; and a Summary Session. A primary purpose of the conference was to identify research areas which need attention in order to enable the next generation of space prime power system. Speakers were asked to list specific problem areas. In the opening session, the space needs for prime power were discussed. These included reconnaisance and weapons systems, manned space stations, and orbit modification systems. K.H. Hartke discussed Air Force needs, J. Mullin reviewed NASA research and technology directions, and G.R. Woodcock reviewed the power requirement for manned space stations. M. Cohen and L. Caveny further discussed DOD prime power requirements. Many of the requirements discussed are closely parallel to basic technology necessary for SPS. Several important impressions were obtained from the conference. First, I was surprised by the substantial interest in both MHD, nuclear systems, and thermal systems. It is clear that space power for high energy systems is not considered solely the providence of photovoltaics, although advanced solar cell systems such as cascade cells were discussed. Second, thermal or IR photovoltaic systems were the subject of several papers. In one novel scheme presented by R.C. Finke, the Earth itself would be used as the visible to IR converter and the Earth's IR radiation would be collected by a gravity gradient oriented spacecraft. An advantage of this is the elimination of the necessity for solar orientation for the solar panels. Third, heat management, transport and elimination and materials research are clearly areas for substantial research effort. Finally, safety considerations and public accountability must be given strong emphasis. J. Lee emphasized the importance of early public involvement in the scrutiny of possible system. Further information on the conference, including a copy of the proceedings, may be obtained by writing to Dr. Peter J. Turchi R&D Associates, Inc. 1401 Wilson Blvd., Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22209
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