consistent with all major power production plants (e.g., risk of electrocution by workers). In the Spring of 1997, the Department of Energy is contemplating terminating is ongoing studies of electromagnetic field safety issues as a result of findings that they are safe for the power levels in common use. However, the use of these technologies for SSP and WPT will be new and different from past public experience. Studies were done in the 1980 time frame, as part of the DOE-NASA study, which determined that — as an example — microwave WPT at 2.45 GHz had no noticeable effect on the health or behavior of bees in a controlled study. Considerably more focused research is needed to assure that these earlier results can be validated, to extend these resuhs to higher frequencies (such as 5.8 GHz), and begin to establish a broader understanding within the scientific and medical communities of WPT and the SSP option. Moreover, even when a consensus is reached among technical experts that SSP and WPT are safe for commercial applications, the more general population that comprises the marketplace will have to be educated to share their confidence. Certainly, drawing relevant and effective comparisons to other, comparable, global energy sources will be an important element in achieving public acceptance of SSP. The potential role of SSP in achieving societal environmental goals - e.g., the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere - should play an important role. However, market demand will depend upon proving to the general public that these technologies are safe and reliable in their own right. 7.5. Other Space Applications of SSP Technologies In addition to SPS applications, SSP technologies and concepts will be far more programmatically (and economically) feasible if additional, non-SPS, applications can be identified. A preliminary assessment has identified a wide variety of opportunities to apply SSP system concepts and technologies in non-SPS space mission applications - including both governmental and commercial activities. Space Science • SEPS stages for outer planet robotic science missions • Non-RTG/nuclear power for Jupiter/Satum robotic science missions - 1-10+kW-class - With option for high-rate data communications (“Power Antenna” approach) • Non-RTG/nuclear power for “Planet-Finder” science mission (@ 3-5 AU) • Integrated radar/high-rate communications small body missions Commercial Space • SEPS and/or STUS stages for commercial GEO communications satellites • High-Power for commercial GEO communications satellites Human Exploration • SEPS Lunar Cargo Space Transfer Vehicles • Lunar Orbit WPT for Lunar Surface Power • The “SolarClipper” Concept for Human Missions within the Inner Solar System Example: The “SolarClipper”. An especially intriguing opportunity is that of using affordable megawatt-class space power for interplanetary space missions. It appears to be possible to reduce the cost for Earth surface-to-Mars orbit transportation by as much as a 5:1 through the use of very advanced, large-scale space solar power in a solar electric propulsion system (SEPS) approach. The basic architectural strategies of the SolarClipper concept are straightforward:
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