For the Powersats • The Powersat would almost certainly have to use laser systems, the specific technology for which does not exist. • Laser are much less efficient and. therefore, the power-generating capability (solar arrays) of the Powersat would have to be many times larger than for the Microwave Solution. • The power collector technology is not yet proven, • Three identical Powersats. plus one in-orbit spare, would be required. Another possible advantage is that the Powersat can be readily used to provide power to other users. With Freedom as the only user, each Powersat would supply power for a maximum duration of about 20 minutes every 330 minutes (orbital period of the Powersat plus the orbital period of Freedom). For the rest of the time, the Powersat could provide augmenting power to other low Earth orbit platforms such as Eureca or a suitably-modified version of the Columbus Free-Flyer. However, only a maximum of three other platforms could be serviced, providing they were separated by 90° in the orbital plane.
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