IV. KEY ISSUES AND GENERAL OBSERVATIONS During the study several key issues were identified and observations were made concerning the military implications of the SPS. These are noted in the following paragraphs. 4.1 WEAPON AND MILITARY PREPAREDNESS IMPLICATIONS As a weapon the microwave power transmission subsystem (MPTS) may have some applications as a noise generator in an electronic warfare role. Its applications as an energy-beaming weapon are limited in the current NASA reference system configuration because of the low-power density in the microwave beam and the large massive antenna that would need to be moved to follow the target. A geostationary (GEO) location of the NASA reference system maintains the satellite and any weapons capability stationary over a single spot on earth. Military preparedness will be supported by the SPS in the following ways: • Strengthen the civilian/industrial sector allowing more effective technology, production, and capital support to the military; • Free portable fuels required for military mobility (and stockpiling); • Provide electricity to military ground installations through the utilities; and • Supply markets for electricity and thus strengthen mutual security bonds and reduce tensions. Large, powered, platforms for weapons can be provided by the SPS at several different GEO locations. Weapons or weapon systems segments could include sensors, communications, and laser/particle beam weapons; projectiles/missiles; and electronic warfare and data-handling systems. The platform, reinforced and modified, could be made to provide storage, housing, etc. This additional mass would result in a larger load on the SPS station-keeping system. Each deployment of modestly sized SPS's would provide operational experience and allow any needed SPS defense system to start small and grow to be compatible with risk. In this manner the ability of the SPS to be defended could be determined before making large resource commitments. 4.2 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS International relations could be affected as a result of: • Disputes between nations with regard to the international agreements that must be made concerning solar flux at GEO, frequency, orbit, power export, security, etc.;
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