Table 11.5 NPV - Mid Term Space to Space Baseline 2 The indications of the models are that with baseline parameters, multi billion dollar profits might be realized in the medium to long term. A continued and thorough review of the sensitive parameters (price of power and market size) would indicate the point at which a successful program might be initiated. The decision on whether to implement a ground or space based micro wave or laser system in the medium term must depend on a more thorough economic and technical analysis in the future, when developments in laser, microwave and space technology can be re-assessed, along with the potential market size and value. If space development is paced by commercial programs it is possible that technological advance will render space based power beaming stations more attractive than the ground alternative by the time the market for space power matures. If, however, space development and exploration activity accelerates in the mid term ahead of technological advance (for example as a result of a government backed space exploration initiative), a ground based power system may provide the first viable commercial implementation of space beamed power. 11.1.2 Space to Earth The object of this chapter is to assess the cost for the long term full scale Solar Power Satellite from Space to Earth. During this study it was decided not to develop a point design for the long term solar power satellite system. In order to examine the costs of a full scale system a sensitivity analysis of the SPS cost study done by NASA/DOE [Satellite Power Systems (SPS) Concept Definition, 1980] has been performed. The main guidelines and assumptions considered in this study are the following: 1. Cost estimates are in 1992 US dollars, scaled with a rate of 5% per year. All the units are $M. 2. The scenario considered is 120 satellites with a power of 5 Gw each. 3. Overall SPS lifetime will be 30 years. 4. The satellite components will be launched from Earth and complete construction and assembly will occur in Earth orbit. The Satellite Power System concept of NASA/DOE is based upon a large photovoltaic power collection satellite located in a geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) utilizing microwave power to transmit the collected energy to Ground Receiving Stations (GRS) located at selected sites. The ground receiving sites then convert the energy received to a form compatible with local utility power networks. The available energy contributes to the base load power capability of the network. This cost estimation includes all elements of hardware, software, and activities required for the design, development, production, assembly, transportation, operations, and maintenance of the space solar power full scale program. Included are the satellite and ground receiving station systems, as well as the necessary support systems such as space construction, support and transportation.
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