of microwave energy off an orbiting satellite. This work is, apparently, in support of efforts to develop the means of transmitting power in large pulses from the eastern regions of the CIS, where fossil fuels are in abundance, to the western industrialised centres where fuels are more scarce. (Figure 7.3-1) It is understood that the 10 MW experiment involves a technique that allows the microwave beam to “self-focus” thus enabling the reflector (or rectenna) to be kept relatively small and compact. No confirmation of this capability exists, although it is known that an individual was awarded the Lenin Prize two years ago for research in this field. If such a capability is achievable, it clearly would have important ramifications in the microwave versus laser debate. Part of the problem in understanding the former Soviet’s capabilities is that most of them have been supported by military institutes. As reforms continue, these institutes may open up to reveal the true nature of their activities. However, the plight of the CIS might also cause the loss of this valuable information if nothing is done immediately to preserve it The cost of liberating most of this information might be small - on the order of $10,000 according to Western observers. Therefore, it is hoped that CIS organisations could be given the opportunity to participate in additional studies, especially as the return on the investment would be disproportionately high. The CIS also has a wide range of launch vehicles and platforms available for a European-developed experiment, as noted in Section 4. In addition to COCOM restrictions, doubts have been expressed over the prudence of using CIS launchers and other equipment given the future uncertainty of the Commonwealth and its space programme. This is a “Catch-22” situation, of course, as the survival of the CIS’s space capability may well depend on attracting international users in the first place. The Powersat could provide the opportunity for cooperation in a “non- critical” space field and, thereby, help justify continuation of some aspects of
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