At least arguments can be made for a subscale SPS this size from the point of view of the microwave system. For the 2 MW size system, but not for a smaller power level, the micro wave antenna would be a subelement of the full scale system and this subelement can have power taper as a test variable. The subscale systems development effort is seen as having four major chronological parts: systems environmental and performance program, which is to provide tests of systems in which long duration and manned interface are combined and to provide qualification tests for subscale SPS subsystems; preconstruction techniques development, which is to be a continuation of preconstruction techniques development from the sortie program and to be the effort that finalizes the procedures for fabrication and subsystem installation for the subscale SPS; construction base/site preparation, which is the buildup and organization of material and equipment to accomplish the subscale SPS construction; and subscale construction, which is to be the actual construction of the subscale SPS. The subscale SPS is to provide the basic technology reference from which to construct the full scale SPS. The intent is that primarily the preconstruction effort for the full scale SPS be characterized by modifying subscale construction technology for the larger scale systems. In the subscale program the techniques and machines for manufacturing the basic structure are to be used for manufacturing the basic beam elements of the full scale SPS. Free-flyer handling and joining of beams in the subscale program will be applicable to the full scale program with modifications to procedures for beam size. The subscale SPS is to be operated in LEO to verify performance of the system and is to be transferred to GEO for further performance tests. The space station is to be the control center for operating the subscale SPS in LEO or GEO. A potential concept for the 2 MW subscale SPS is shown in Figure 15-1 for the photovoltaic power conversion concept. A concept for the 150 kW power module evolving from the 2 yiW subscale system is also included in Figure 15-1. Following the subscale SPS development, the development of a full scale SPS prototype is seen as the next major milestone in the technology development plan. Prototype development is to be a single and first unit develop ment to distinguish it from the operational SPS, although the prototype system will be operationally functional. The final item of the technology development plan is development of the capability to produce SPS's at the rate of 1 to 10 per year. This effort is to be completed by 1995.
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