Clearly, the cost of space systems is such that if space hardware constructed for the demonstration phase could be re-used, the savings over all new construction would be substantial, and should be investigated fully. This consideration may impact the selection of suitable demonstration. Large Scale Commercial Application If the demonstration of solar beamed power proves to be commercially viable in the near terrn, then development of large scale commercial applications (SSPP) should be considered. Additional questions that either raise new issues or re-investigate previously stated issues need to be reexamined: 1) What is the cost of the project? 2) What is the market? 3) What will be the availability of investment capital? S) What will be the expected completion date? 6) When will the project break even? 7) What interfaces should be established with the existing structures of management? 8) What will be the global economic impact of the project? What is the cost of the project? Taking into account previously demonstrated costs, it is important to show accurate cost analysis to convince potential investors of project credibility. Due to past failures and inconsistency in cost analysis (e.g., Space Station Freedom cutbacks), it becomes critical to have a thorough understanding of the question, “how much will a project of this scale cost?” The main costs to be considered should include the building, operation, and maintenance costs. In addition, the cost of lost investment opportunities should also be investigated. What is the market? An analysis of the market must be performed in order to demonstrate project feasibility and scope. For example who will be the major consumers of solar generated beamed power? Will the main consumers be on the level of countries, power utilities, or individuals? The cost of the energy produced by solar beamed power will need to be compared to the cost of electricity produced by other energy sources. What will the cost of electricity be to the end user? Will that cost be competitive considering the electricity market at project completion? What will be the availability of investment capital? In light of other potentiai programs for government to invest in, and other more lucrative investments for private enterprise, will there be any available capital to put into a space solar power program? What will be the expected completion date? It will be necessary to establish a schedule and time frame that is realistic and one that is not intimidating to potential investors, i.e. return on investment has to occur within a reasonable length of time. What should the time frame be for such a large and elaborate project? When will the project break-even? What is the size of the market? Ihe market size will determine the initial scope of an SSPP. This can be examined in three parts. First, will the provision of new energy supplies stimulate growth in the effected areas? If it does, then how will the growth of these areas impact the availability of what the new systems can be supply. Finally, at what time scale will this growth occur? The commercial viability of these markets A cost breakdown for each one of the proposed applications should be calculated. Given these data, one should study the likely return on investment for each application, and determine if a staged implementation would offer any advantages. Commercial viability might be reached if some capital costs are written off by government institutions. What parts of the project(s) could be sponsored by governments? For what amount and under what uncertainties? Clearly, the cost of space systems is such that if space hardware constructed for the demonstration phase could be re-used, the savings over all new construction would be substantial, and should be investigated fully. This consideration may impact the selection of suitable demonstration.
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