required to achieve reasonable utilization of capacity. For primary power, a ground-based energy storage system would be required, in particular in the early phases of overall system deployment in which only a single SunTower was operational Markets and Commercial Power Utilities Interface. This interface may be any one of several diverse types, including single site power into the grid. Electrical energy markets on a global basis could be served by a single SunTower SPS with incremental increases in coverage evolving with expansion of the space segment to a constellation. With power transmission up to 250 MW, mega-towns, towns and remote sites can be served for intermittent through baseline power demands. The specific interfaces with power utilities, including direct-to-grid distribution, can be implemented in evolutionary steps as the number of Sim Towers and ground receivers grow to global constellation size. Annual revenues earned during this buildup can be used to finance additional system elements and support maintenance operations. Figure 3-5 The Sunsynchronous Sun Tower Concept Architectural Context 3.4. LEO-MEO Relay Power transmission duty cycles and ground station location coverage of the basic sun-synchronous Sun Tower concept can be significantly augmented by the addition of multiple relay satellites, albeit at the
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