Effect on Biologicals from Reflected SPS Light

I. INTRODUCTION The feasibility of using the proposed Satellite Power System (SPS) for an alternate source of energy is being evaluated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). If SPS becomes viable, there would be numerous spacecraft and spacestations involved. Light would be reflected from these structures to earth. This report considers the possible consequences of that reflected light on animals. II. DATA BASE A preliminary reference system, "Satellite Power System, Concept Development and Evaluation Program, Reference System Report", October 1978, DOE/ER 0023, has been prepared by NASA for use in making assessments of SPS. Scientists at the Boeing Company, using the reference system described in that report, have characterized the reflected light from SPS structures in a report, "Space Power System Brightness Due to Reflected Light", DOE/ER 0081. This report was used as the basis for estimating the potential impact of this reflected light on the biology of wildlife and domestic animals. Emphasis of this environmental impact review was focused on the potential effects of such light on various aspects of behavior and biological rhythms, and not on the possible direct ocular damage that might result from direct viewing of spacecraft, especially with magnifying equipment.

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