GEO SPS with Multiple Relays Concept: GEO SPS with Multiple Fresnel Lens Relays Key Features: Large orbiting constellations of Fresnel zone wire lenses Suggestor/Source: G. Landis, Ohio Aerospace Institute Discussion This concept seeks to minimize the spread of the RF beam transmitted by a Solar Power Satellite in GEO by using a series of relay satellites equipped with Fresnel lenses deployed in intermediate orbits between the satellite and the surface of the Earth. A discussion on using a single Fresnel lens to increase the effective aperture size of a solar power satellite can be found in the report “Solar Power Satellite Built of Lunar Materials,” Sept. 1985, published by the Space Studies Institute. However, in order to produce this sort of "virtual waveguide," it would be necessary to emplace a very large number of these satellites into multiple orbit altitudes to complete the constellation. Alternatively, a smaller number offenses might be utilized if each had a pointing capability. (It is not clear that such pointing is possible or feasible.) In either case, only a small fraction of the total constellation would be actively used for relay at any point in time. Advantages Disadvantages Could reduce spot size of beam on Earth surface Requires very large relay constellations. Probably intermittent power delivery due to relay orbits Relay technology uncertain at this time.
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