INTRODUCTION The concept of a solar power satellite (SPS) was first proposed in an article by Dr. Peter Glaser in the November 11, 1968, issue of Science. The intervening 12 years have seen this idea—placing gigantic satellites in geosynchronous orbit to capture sunlight, changing the energy into an appropriate form for transmission to earth, and introducing the energy into the electrical power grid—expand beyond the scientific community and capture the imagination and interest (pro and con) of others as a source of renewable energy for the 21st century. To study SPS, its costs and benefits, the Concept Development and Evaluation Program (CDEP), was initiated by the Department of Energy (DoE) in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other government agencies in 1977. It will conclude in the fall of 1980 with recommendations for future research consideration. The CDEP has been conducted in four general areas—Systems Definition, Environmental, Societal and Comparative Assessments. Systems Definition is to continually define and refine the proposed solar power satellite. Transportation, construction in space, methods of conversion of sunlight into energy, transmission to earth, maintenance in orbit and decommissioning of satellites—all fall under this heading. The Environmental Assessment is currently studying the impact of SPS on our environment. The Societal Assessment is doing the same for the political and economic effects on our society. Finally, the Comparative Assessment is comparing SPS to other forms of power generation, both terrestrial and in space. The Solar Power Satellite Program Review, sponsored jointly by the Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, held April 22-25, 1980, at the Nebraska Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, was organized similarly to the CDEP. After initial overview presentations, the meeting divided into the four sessions for more in-depth presentations. Frederick A. Koomanoff, Division Director of the Solar Power Satellite Project Division, was Program Chairman assisted by Michael R. Riches, both of the Department of Energy. Session Chairmen were as follows: Systems Definition, F. Carl Schwenk, National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Environmental Assessment, Anthony R. Valentino, Argonne National Laboratory; Societal Assessment, Charles E. Bloomquist, Planning Research Corp.; Comparative Assessment, Michael R. Riches, Department of Energy. The Review was coordinated by The Kenneth E. Johnson Environmental and Energy Center of The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Hosting the Review at the Nebraska Center was the Division of Continuing Studies of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The Program Review was designed to allow a free exchange of information and opinions. Responsible opinions were welcome, and even solicited, from all quarters, in an effort to allow the broadest spectrum of ideas to be aired. Many special interest groups were invited and encouraged to attend and participate.
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