• Provide electricity to military ground installations through the utilities; and • Supply markets that will strengthen mutual security bonds and reduce tensions. The current plan is to deploy two 5-GW SPS units each year starting in the year 2000 and running through the year 2030 for a total SPS output of 300 GW. This is equivalent to the 1975 electrical power generating capacity in the United States and from 7.5 to 10.0 percent of the expected U.S. power requirement in 2030. (Other scenarios have projected the SPS deployment rate at two times to approximately four times this rate.) Any growing dependence of the United States on an unfolding and successful SPS for power, coupled with the constant dependence of military preparedness on an economically and industrially strong United States, will implicate the SPS in U.S. military preparedness. However, the implication goes farther; the SPS must be protected by either the U.S. military or a military/quasi-military force in which the United States plays a part commensurate with its potential for loss. 2.1.3 Platform for Weapons The NASA 5-GW SPS reference design is driven by a solar cell array with 2/ an area of approximately 50 sq. km.- This array is supported by a platform that is 10,400 m long, 5,200 m wide, and 470 m thick—a volume of approximately 25 cu km. Materials used in this platform and its design combine for an extremely lightweight structure having the appropriate stiffness for SPS functions. This platform, as well as SPS construction/maintenance facilities and personnel living quarters would seem from a cursory examination to be ideal assets for beginning any necessary SPS military operations. Military housing and work areas could be integrated into the SPS solar array platform by modifying and beefing up structures as required. The array could be extended to supply any added quantities c/ of electricity needed by the military unit. During times of conflict- the array would be a prodigious source of power that could be preempted from the private sector and used to power weapons. The functions of such a military outpost could include security, supply, maintenance, repair, personnel, and training. Security would encompass activities involving the maintenance and use of defensive/offensive equipment needed to protect the SPS. Systems could include c/ - During a national emergency (declared by the president) civil and commercial satellites would be subject to control by the Department of Defense. See appendix A, PRM-23.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==