Large Active Retrodirective Arrays For Space Applications

The work described in this report was performed by the Telecommunications Science and Engineering Division of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. An active retrodirective array (ARA) electronically points a microwave beam back at the apparent source of an incident pilot signal. ARA’s are particularly suitable as solar power satellite antennas because they are inherently Failsafe. Because of the obvious difficulty in mechanically pointing a 1.0 km diameter antenna with accuracy, the proponents of the SPS suggest using an ARA for the spacecraft antenna with the pilot source located at the center of the rectenna. An equally important reason for using an ARA for the SPS is safety, specifically, the need to protect the public from exposure to the high-power beam. Although no beam pointing system is infallible, the ARA would seem to be the most inherently reliable system for this application since its retrodirectivity is inseparable from the beam forming process itself.

See it here: https://ssi.org/solar-power-satellites/spsreport/?rptx=sps-jpl-lgarray-1978

Alternate Frequency Analysis For The SPS System

This report deals with the ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) evaluation of the proposed SPS Reference Design. The consideration was required to indicate the character of functional and environmental effects for alternate power beam frequency ranges as one input to future trade-off investigations. The basic conclusions from this task show that frequencies below the proposed 2.45GHz are not recommended because of increased compatibility problems with a large number of existing systems and larger Spacetenna and Rectenna areas. Higher frequencies have increased troposphere interactions which would significantly reduce system efficiency during storm conditions. Trade-offs and further studies for frequencies greater than 2.45GHz are presented.

See it here: https://ssi.org/solar-power-satellites/spsreport/?rptx=sps-altrntfreqs-1982

Analysis Of Interference From The SPS To General Electronics Systems

This report examines some of the potential interference problems that might exist between SPS and general electronics equipment. The report specifically considers the possibility of interference to conventional consumer electronic devices such as TV receivers, AM/FM stereo receivers, electronic calculators, and FM mobile receivers.

Also included are estimates of the field intensities that would be required to produce interference in three different types of integrated circuits. The report also examines the potential for interference to medical electronics devices, with specific emphasis on pacemakers and site security devices such as proximity detectors and security TV cameras.

Note that while this report was called for by the DOC SPS investigation, the results applied to later analysis of point to point data transmission and consumer WIFI (which also can and do use “Microwaves” in the same frequency ranges as SPS).

See it here: https://ssi.org/solar-power-satellites/spsreport/?rptx=sps-cod-pcemker-1981

EUROSPACE Powersat Study Executive Summary

This summarizes the results presented in the full Final Report of the Eurospace Powersat Study for ESA. The Report is split into two major parts which this introduces at a very high level: a general discussion of the economics and potential applications of Powersats within future space infrastructure programs, and a discussion of the prospects for a Demonstration Program

Note that the final report includes another “Executive Summary”, this one works more as a very high level teaser.

See it here: https://ssi.org/solar-power-satellites/spsreport/?rptx=sps-euro-exec-1992

EUROSPACE Powersat Study Final Report

This provides the findings of the 1992 Eurospace Powersat Study for ESA. Following an Executive Summary, the Report is split into two major parts, Economics and potential applications of Powersats within space-based infrastructure programs and a discussion of the requirements for a Demonstration Program.

The Powersats in question, at least for the start of ESA interest, are not Space To Earth megawattage systems, instead Space stations are raised as a suitable first niche opportunity because a Powersat could enable significant savings in the amount of propellant.

While the report follows the pattern of Europe at the time, where ESA would not lead technology development and instead look for supportive partnerships under others, there are signs of actual interest and support from industry and full-Scale SPS parties including Thomson Tubes, Oerlikon-Contraves, SAFT and Deutsche Aerospace, the Center for Space Power, the Space Studies Institute and ETM

See it here: https://ssi.org/solar-power-satellites/spsreport/?rptx=sps-euro-final-1992

And a couple more from previously released one-off reviews have been officially added to the big list, which is right here: https://ssi.org/solar-power-satellites/sps-reports/