a little premature, however, given that the requirements of a Powersat are far from clear. Based on the discussion in PART I. though there are a number of key technology and performance aspects a future Powersat will have to meet in order to efficiently support the requirements of a low-Earth orbit user. Specifically, generic operational requirements, regardless of whether a microwave or laser solution is eventually selected, are expected to include the following. Powersat Operational Design Requirements Minimise drag: Low solar array cross-section High-efficiency components High reliability/long life: Existing space qualified systems where available Minimise complexity: Limited, simple deployment needs Integrated design Autonomous operations: High reliability Wide design margins, redundancy Safety: Mis-pointing fail-safe provisions Space Station Rectenna Minimise drag : Low rectenna area Minimise installation: Limited assembly needs Minimise maintenance: Simple design The vast majority of these operational design requirements for the Powersat and Space Station are a function of the current inability to service any spacecraft on-orbit, borne entirely out of almost total reliance on expendable
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