What is specifically new about Figure 2-1 is the identification of interfaces between the SPS and various C^2 nodes external to SPS which are critical to an understanding of the military implications of the program. These external nodes are the various power grids operated by utility companies which are SPS customers; a space traffic control center; the international Resident Inspection Operation, a safeguard for the Satellite Power System, discussed in Section 5; and the (military) National Command Authorities (NCA) of the countries sponsoring the SPS program in either a legal or an operational manner. The functions of each of these external nodes are discussed below. The boundaries of the SPS are indicated by the dashed lines in the figure. Whether the rectennas and power satellites are owned by the SPS organization or by the utility companies is an important question from the financing and legal viewpoints, but of little relevance from the operational viewpoint which is key to examination of the military implications. Utility Power Grid C^2 Centers. As was mentioned earlier, individual segments of the power satellite solar cell array can be switched separately, allowing the total power delivered by a power satellite to its rectenna to vary to match load demand of the utility grid. A C^2 center in the utility grid exercises this control over the power satellite, manages load shifting in anticipation of power satellite eclipses and power satellite outages for scheduled maintenance, and manages load shifting in response to unscheduled interruptions (for any reason) of power from the rectenna. Control of power satellite output may be transmitted to the satellite via the pilot beam or by a separate communications link. Personnel operating these C^2 centers are likely to be utility company employees. Space Traffic Control Center. In the 1990 to 2030 time frame, it is very likely that some sort of centralized space traffic control will be in operation, serving a role analogous to that of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Control. The space traffic control center would keep up-to-date information on orbital parameters, masses, and ownership of all sizeable objects in Earth orbit. Parameters of proposed launches or orbit-to-orbit transfers would be examined by computer for possible conflict with existing objects in space, and suitable clearances issued before launch. Such a space traffic control center may
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