1.1 SCOPE The effects of microwave radiation emmanating from the SPS on the following are considered in this section. • General public outside exclusion zone for the rectifying antenna (rectenna) and in transit through the zone, • Terrestrial workers involved in maintenance or operations at the rectenna site, • Space workers involved in maintenance or operation of the SPS, • Ecosystems both inside and outside the exclusion zone for the rectenna. 1.2 METHODOLOGY 1.2.1 Effects on Public and Workers Although a sizeable effort has been expended on investigating the biological effects of microwave radiation, no firm conclusions can yet be drawn concerning the effects of exposure to relatively low levels. Results obtained so far are difficult to interpret in terms of hazards, and in many cases conflicting results have been obtained from similar experiments. The existing data base, however inadequate, will be used as a starting point to develop the information necessary for assessing the impact of the SPS microwave power transmission system (MPTS). A combination of two types of studies must be used to arrive at an assessment of impacts. One, which we will call prospective, will be directed toward investigating research areas where no data currently exist and which pose serious questions about the advisability of using a microwave beam for transmission of energy from space. Principal among these is the effect of continuous exposure of the population to low levels of 2.45 GHz radiation. Several long-term studies using experimental animals will be the primary determinants in answering this question, but much of this work cannot be completed within the period from FY1978-80. However, short-term prospective studies will address several questions that can be answered in this time span. The other type of study, which we will call retrospective, will address effects already documented in the literature. A major effort will
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