launchers. Until the capability to routinely and reliably undertake servicing missions is available, all spacecraft will need to meet these types of requirements, with the only exception being high-priority manned space stations. This situation is further compounded by the fact that it is impossible to launch parts of a Powersat. test them in space for a short period, and then return them to Earth for modification and subsequent relaunches. This incremental development approach characterises terrestrial development of any new system, but is precluded by the limitations of the current means of accessing space, except for the few expensive and infrequent Shuttle opportunities. The limitations of Shuttle flights similarly indicate that the design of a space station rectenna would need to facilitate rapid installation, essentially have no astronaut assembly assistance, and have limited maintenance requirements. Failure to focus any Powersat program around these requirements will compromise its future viability. For economic reasons alone, the proposed initial experiment will be unable to demonstrate all of these requirements simultaneously, but every effort should be made to achieve those considered most critical. Those other operational aspects that cannot be demonstrated would be proven with ground development activities in preparation for the advanced Powersat demonstrator mission. 4.3 Technology Test-Bed The uncertainty surrounding the future viability of Powersats will continue to raise questions about the merits of even undertaking a relatively simple space experiment. However, provided the initial demonstrator is kept relatively inexpensive, its value could be enhanced if it doubled as a test-bed for proving new technology that is both important to the Powersat and other
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