Because the reliability of each individual part of any system has a direct bearing on the total system reliability, a systemic perspective is valuable. Safety The biological and environmental safety of SPS will be important future concerns (Grey, 1978; Manson, 1980). Such concerns will be particularly important to the generations that will have to deal with any long-term effects of SPS implementation. The examination of possible problem areas (e.g., long-term effects of microwave transmission, worker safety in outer space, and environmental impact) can be aided by a systemic approach. Variations in system design, operational procedures, and managerial policy will all have impact upon safety. Decisions affecting the safety of SPS will be more appropriate if they are based upon an understanding of the complex interrelationships involved in SPS. Cost-efficiency The future of satellite power systems will also be related to their cost-efficiency. The probability of SPS becoming a part of our energy future will increase if the system can provide base load electrical energy at costs competitive with other energy systems. SPS could reduce the current dependence of nonrenewable energy supplies. The cost of that independence may be economically, ecologically, or politically greater than we wish to accept. We need to act now to study the problems and potentials of this energy system. Only after we gain a better understanding of the system as a whole can we hope to make intelligent decisions regarding its implementation. Exploration into multinational funding for SPS needs to be supported. SPS will require large amounts of capital investment for research and development. Multinational funding would ease the burden for any nations wishing to develop satellite power systems. The development of a multinational SPS operational organization may reduce the risk of military action against any of the satellites in the system (Manson, 1979)- Several nations are now demanding equatorial orbit sovereignty (Barna, 1979)- A multinational SPS program would allow better negotiation with these countries. Cooperation on an international level could prove to be a major boost for the economic future of SPS. The investment payback rate will be an important consideration. SPS will receive more support if its research and develop-
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