SPS Issues: The Need to Look Ahead Kevin K. Dybda 1 St. Olaf College The implementation of satellite power systems (SPS) will have a very broad impact upon the future generations of this world. SPS will have consequences in national economies, in political policy decisions, in attempts to achieve energy independence, and in international cooperation. Thus, there is a need for a systemic examination of SPS for the purpose of identifying potential problem areas and the issues related to those areas. A systemic approach (e.g., Thorsheim, 1979; Toren, 1980) is a valuable perspective from which to evaluate SPS implementation as a r e1 i a b1e , safe, and cost-efficient energy supply of the future. It allows for the identification and examination of the individual issues and areas of concern, and has the added feature of recognizing the existence of interrelationships and interdependencies. A systemic perspective allows decision making to be based within a broad context. This paper examines only a few of the numerous points to be addressed during the early stages of SPS research and development. Many of the problems that are encountered in the attempt to develop satellite power systems are not unique to this project. Therefore, results of research into SPS will have applications in many other areas. The A IAA in their Solar Power Satellites position paper (1979) states 11 ... that a great deal of the technology applicable to SPS systems is needed for other projected space applications." Perhaps some way could be found of coordinating and sharing research in these areas. The cost of SPS development may then become more justifiable. Reliability Reliability and the ability of an energy source to supply electricity without interruption will be important concerns for the future. Satellite power systems (SPS) are attractive because of their ability to collect and transmit energy almost 100% of the time that they are in operation. Such continuous power generation enables them to operate as base-load energy supplies, giving them an advantage over earth-based solar energy systems that will be affected by day/night cycles and atmospheric conditions (Glaser, 1979). Reliable satellite power systems should be free from slowdown or shutdown. They will be more attractive if they are not susceptable to loss of power due to system damage, hardware failure, tracking error, sabotage, or military threat.
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