In space solar beamed power systems, the rectenna receives microwaves from the satellite and converts them into electricity. Rectennas could cover a large ground area, and their environmental impact would not be negligible. In addition, the receiving plant will need additdonal facilities like buildings for administration, maintenance or public information / relation, protective fences, power lines, access roads, whose impact will also have to be assessed. Many environmental impacts have to be studied: • Effects of the placement of the rectenna on the local flora and fauna; • Impact on the marine environment if the rectenna are installed on an ardficial island; • Polludon: chemical degradadon of the rectenna; • Hydrology: effects on the underground water reserves; • Geology: modificadon of soils (preparadon of the area for the construcdon and access roads), erosion due to the depletion of the flora under the rectenna; • Visual impact / aesthetic of the landscape (power lines and rectenna facilides); • Sociological effects on the local population: expropriadon of dwellers, induced economical changes on the local life; aand 7 » • Recycling of the area at the end of the SSP exploitadon; Also, control of the test beam and devising ways to shut it off, if it gets out of control, are needed to enhance safety. SSP versus other Energy Sources What are the differences with respect to environmental effects between SSP and other energy technologies? The difference relating to the environment between SSP and present energy sources should be studied. The choice of SSP over other energy sources should be based on convincing arguments. We must gather information on the environmental effects of both current energy sources and those under development, including SSP. In the case of SSP, we must begin the analysis with simulations and preliminary experiments. This experiment will allow the SSP system to be more accurately assessed and compared with other systems. The environmental effects of each of the technologies can then be analyzed and an informed decision can be made regarding space solar power. Launch Systems What are the environmental effects of the feasibility demonstrations and/or small commercial test launches ? In the development of a space power satellite, the impact of the launch vehicle on the environment must be considered. The number and size of transportation systems, the impact point(s) of their stage(s), debris created in orbit, and their engine's exhaust products will all have to be assessed. These environmental factors are important in regard to two key areas, mainly public preception of the environmental impacts of an energy source that supposedly is clean and the evaluation of the actual environmental impacts of a future large scale commercial project. Even though the absolute magnitude of environmental impacts due to a feasibility-demonstration might be quite small, it is still very important from a public relations point of view to minimize the detrimental environmental impact in order to allay public concerns. The effects of engine exhausts on the ozone layer must also be taken into account. This will require - analyzing the mechanism of ozone depletion and how the exhaust from SSP launch systems might contribute to this phenomenon.
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