weapon system segments, and their integration into military operational scenarios will be a high-value target and vulnerable to attack, except as this vulnerability is reduced by U.S. strategic deterrence and the SPS self-defense system and/or a space defense system of more generalized capabilities. The deterrent concept is good until it fails, but in any case can provide added time, if needed, for selfdefense system development. The SPS structure may not represent an optimum location for some electronic systems because of the RFI/EMI problems that would result from operation of the SPS Power Transmission Subsystem (PTS) and the electric currents associated with the electrical power transmission system that is part of the solar array. The firing of projectiles or launching of missiles from the array platform depending on launch method could impart a velocity delta. Rotational and/or lateral velocities, contributed in this manner, would have to be compensated for by the SPS orientation and station-keeping system. These and other questions concerning the SPS self-protection system and use of the SPS as a platform for other weapons and as a support to U.S. military operations should be investigated in detail to determine technology problems, probable costs, schedules, and values and risks of these weapons and activities to the SPS itself and to international stability. 3.1.2 Preparedness The SPS could be made to contribute to military preparedness by incorporating into its design a weapon mode, by serving as a base for additional weapons and military operations, and by supplying power. The SPS could (1) contribute energy to U.S. activities and industry for a strong and productive economy, (2) provide power to friendly and adversary countries where this promotes U.S. interests and a favorable international stability, (3) supply power to the military, and (4) substitute electricity for portable fuels that then could be released to the U.S. military. The extent to which all these purposes could be served would depend on policy decisions and the SPS’s flexibility to service the variety of demands that make up the potential market for SPS power. In discussions with military representatives regarding military preparedness and SPS defense, the following comments/issues were raised: • The military is concerned about the availability of energy and would use direct SPS power for base operations. The Army may be interested in providing (I) the acreage needed for stable ground power conversion sites and (2) ground security.
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