Following an introductory statement, the invited contributions were presented and discussed. The group was then divided into radio and optical working groups for more detailed consideration of SPS effects on astronomy. The form and content of the working group meetings were largely left to the members of each group with one exception. Both groups were specifically asked to comment on the possibility of moving the affected portions of astronomical observations to facilities located in space or on the far side of the moon. The reports of the working groups make up the final document in the workshop proceedings. The objective of the meeting was to identify the potential impacts of the SPS on astronomy and to do so in a fashion that would allow system designers to recognize and modify those aspects of the system that create potential problems to the extent it may be possible to do so. The actual content of these various documents fell into two natural divisions: optical and radio effects. From one viewpoint, this division is in keeping with an astronomical tradition of dividing the profession according to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is observed. From another viewpoint, the division expresses the separate effects of the passive and active properties of the satellite system. In particular, the major optical effects caused by SPS would be functions of the system’s structures in orbit and would continue even if the system were turned off. Radio astronomy, however, would be particularly affected by the active portion of the system — the intended microwave transmission of energy from space to earth. In terms of design, both optical and radio astronomy impacts are primarily a result of unintentional side effects. The optical effects would occur because the SPS solar blankets would reflect some of the light that strikes them. The radio effects would occur because a small portion of the transmitted energy
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