Atmospheric Tester____________ Design Example Proposal Demo: To place a Solar Power Satellite in low Earth orbit with the capability to alter its beaming angle and power density. Two types of instruments would be used to monitor the effects of these variations on the atmosphere: a companion low Earth orbit atmosphere observing satellite and high- altitude balloons. Purpose: For Space Solar Power, to determine the effects of a solar power satellite on the atmosphere, as well as of the atmosphere on the power beamed by a solar power satellite. For scientists, to learn more about the upper atmosphere and magnetosphere by using either lasers or microwaves to induce experiments and reactions at high altitudes. Target Cost: $800 Milllion. Timescale: 10 years. Power Level: The amount of power— as well as its type (microwave or laser)— would strongly depend on various factors, such as the ability to alter the beaming angle, the likelihood of the power type's inclusion into the large-scale space solar power program, and the ability to induce reactions in the atmosphere of scientific interest Orbit: Low Earth Orbit. Organization: Any space agency that has previously run Earth observing satellites (or a combination of agencies) should suffice. Note: Costs might be significantly defrayed by placing the SPS near an Earth observing satellite already in orbit.
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