1. INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND The need to develop long-term, baseload, electrical energy sources has initiated search for economically competitive and environmentally acceptable alternatives to our limited supply of fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources. Such a search must consider the widest range of available and potential technologies. Satellite-based solar power generation has emerged as one possible source of electrical energy obtained from inexhaustible and renewable sources. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are examining the feasibility of generating baseload electrical power with Satellite Power Systems (SPS) located in geostationary orbit. These systems would collect radiant energy from the Sun, convert it to electrical energy, and then beam it to Earth as microwaves. Ground receiving stations would convert the microwaves to electrical energy to be supplied to power grids. DOE and NASA are studying the large number of factors involved in bringing such a complex undertaking into being. At the present time, initial system definition studies have been completed. A Reference System (DOE/NASA, 1978) has been designed as a basis for further development and evaluation of important areas of uncertainty and for preliminary assessment of environmental impacts and potential health risks to SPS workers. This report directs attention to the radiation risks to the health of workers who will construct and maintain the SPS satellites in the space environment. THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT Man faces substantial risks to health in space. Prolonged periods in space can result in workers being exposed to radiation that can cause adverse health effects such as cancer, genetically related ill health, cataracts, and—with very large doses—even death. Exposure to ionizing radiations is a major factor in the evaluation of potential health risks to workers in space in the SPS program. Assessment of these health risks involves the determination of existing radiation dose levels. Methods must be developed to reduce radiation levels for persons in space to the lowest practical level. Determination must be made of the acceptable radiation levels which may not be absolutely safe but, rather, may be appropriately safe for the special circumstances of the space environment.
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