energy in space, and environmental issues including high voltage in low earth orbit, plasma issues and ionospheric considerations. These are all precursors in development work which can capitalize upon the Shuttle and pave the way toward the development of the Power Technology Module operations. if any, A further organizational consideration is to what extent, international participation should be encouraged. The Power Technology Module offers an additional avenue for cooperation in that the pressurized container for the PTM equipment could be a Spacelab module. Internal equipment could also be provided by the European community as appropriate. CONDITIONS FOR STARTING MAJOR SPS DEVELOPMENT IN 1985 The results of long range programs do not provide the early gratification which shorter range projects frequently do. On the other hand, if events continue along their present path, by 1985 we will face a strong public concern for the rapid depletion of our oil and gas resources, a concern for the expanding environmental pollution caused by our increasing reliance on coal and a distaste for our forced dependence on foreign sources to meet our basic energy needs. It is probable, moreover, that there will not be a revolutionary breakthrough in the development of other "inexhaustible" electrical energy They also will continue to show their current promise sources. as a year 2000+ solution. Given these conditions, however, it would still not be prudent to start a broad commitment in 1985 to Solar Power Satellite development unless believable experimental answers have been provided to the key Solar Power Satellite viability issues by that time period. These key issues which should be resolved are: Demonstration of a high production rate solar power Development of large space structure fabrication, • Microwave power transmission demonstration Environmental impact appraisal These issues are addressed as shown in Figure 5 in the integrated Ground, Shuttle Sortie Flight and Power Technology Module program which have been outlined. It is only by providing this experimental data that a convinced government could then direct that the next major step in solar power technology be taken. RECOMMENDATIONS My recommendations are that we take the following five steps: Launch the Power Technology Module in 1984. Use it as a permanent and evolving space facility. Orbiter revisits will be made for experimentation and updating of the system. Incorporate provisions in the PTM for a Shuttle/Spacelab support mission to extend the effectiveness of the Shuttle On-orbit. This system would cost about $224M including its launch cost. Plan and implement a series of Shuttle sortie missions to prepare for the Power Technology Module era. This is estimated to be about 5 flights in the 1980 to 1983 time period costing about $128M including the Establish an $108M Solar Power Satellite Ground Technology Program for 1978 through 1982 time period. precursor to the Shuttle sortie mission activity. |