application in other economic sectors, such as in electric transportation. However, the extent of these benefits is uncertain and they are unpredictable - perhaps even more so than the emergence of new space missions - and. generally speaking, such benefits can only be accrued "globally" as this is the nature of spinoffs. Furthermore, a Powersat strategy which makes technology choices based partially on the promise of those technologies having the highest spin-off benefits, conflicts strongly with the central reasons for pursuing Powersats in the first place: to provide a means of delivering power more economically than any other way. To minimise life-cycle costs, the choice of technology used should be driven entirely by the means of meeting an economically and operationally effective solution. Unless governments are willing to fully fund the enabling technology effort, then serendipity benefits are insufficient for the rationale to develop Powersats. 2.2 The Niche Market Approach Powersats could have an important role in the future of space development. However, this does not necessarily mean that they must wait until such activities arise if an economic rationale can be made now. Essentially, the future prospects for the development of Powersats would be considerably enhanced if a first niche market application can be found that would completely support its economic case. The first Powersat would, as a result, need to be a very simple system, optimised to service one or a few users. In this sense, the Pow ersat would be more like a power-augmenting capability than a true central pow'er station. This first Powersat w'ould provide initial experience in constructing and operating such systems. It would also provide leverage into other user areas by demonstrating the practicality of using space transmitted power. Starting small
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