SATELLITE POWER SYSTEM TOTAL PROOF-OF-CONCEPT PROGRAM William V. McRae, Jr., Rockwell International 3322 South Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, Alabama 35801 SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION REQUIREMENTS Fundamentally, a total system proof-of-concept entails component manufacturing, launch to orbit, space construction, and system operation measurable to a performance specification. More specifically, it must involve validation from orbit of key technology issues such as: • Construction of large space structures • Solar array performance • Power amplifier performance • Phase control system • System pointing control • Key subsystems interface performance • Microwave beam forming • Microwave environmental interactions • Rectenna system performance • Replication of system efficiency chain Where deemed necessary, full scale system elements are to be employed. Note, however, that operational SPS system efficiencies are not required for all components in order to provide total system proof-of-concept. Funding for the demonstration must meet two basic requirements: First, the overall funding level must be reasonably low, and achieve results commensurate with the desired goals. Second, funding commitments must be very small during the early time frame of the GBED programs, and compatible with the GBED schedule. DEMONSTRATION CONCEPT FINDINGS The Rockwell effort, conducted within the bounds of demonstration objectives, guidelines, constraints and requirements, yielded a number of significant findings. • System total proof-of-concept can be demonstrated with a satellite at low earth orbit. • A microwave antenna structure of full SPS scale can be constructed on orbi t. • The concept shown in Figure 1 will duplicate all key interfaces of the operational SPS efficiency chain. • Power collection can be demonstrated by a transportable rectenna farm of approximately half an acre in area ( half the playing area of a footbal1 field). • First-order cost estimates of the proof-of-concept demonstration at low earth orbit - including launch systems, space support systems, satellite systems, ground systems, and production faci1ities - might be achieved at a cost of**$800 M (in 1979 dollars). Major funding for the demonstration is not required until the late 1980's, i.e., until after completion of the GBED program.
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