Figure 10.4.16 Phase C/D Task Schedule Figure 10.4.17 Phase C/D Timeline 10.4.5 Summary and Conclusions The results from the design examples developed in this section are as follows. 1. Manned construction is (perhaps unfortunately) the most conservative and direct means of assembling 100 m scale space structures in the near to mid-term. 2. Combination of STS and Energia results in potentially large -scale structures that can be constructed within short time scales (that is, this decade). 3. A simple 1 MW demonstration platform (‘trampoline') can be constructed at 28.5 degree orbit and can be later incorporated into a more practical equatorial orbit platform. 4. Platforms constructed in low earth orbits which are non-equatorial have poor ground traces and may serve primarily as technology demonstrators. For these low orbits, it is not even economical to construct a full rectenna for demonstration purposes. If demonstration rectennas or concentrating antennas are built, it should be done at an equatorial location that could later be expanded for the more practical equatorial orbit platforms. Sufficiently high orbits which have some inclination (with antenna angle compensation) may suffice but were not examined in detail. 5. Equatorial orbits are perhaps the most desirable though low equatorial orbits limit coverage. GEO is attractive though problems may result from competition for orbit slots as well as potential interference with other satellites. With the construction and assembly described, an additional cost is required in terms of a propulsion system to place the platform in the desired orbits.
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