also fig, VII-1.) Preparations for launch commence when the launch assignment is made. Recovery operations for returning vehicles are also handled at the launch and recovery facilities. It is recognized that the personnel and facilities involved in the ground operations of the SPS system will be an important element in the operational assessment and cost of the SPS; however, no in-depth analyses of these operational elements have been conducted during this study. Significant attention needs to be devoted to this area in follow-on efforts to this study. 2. Space Manufacturing and Construction Options This new area of technology and its operational considerations have been discussed in previous sections. However, the concepts and options selected for accomplishing the space manufacturing and construction tasks have "significant" influence on the operational requirements of the SPS system in such areas as operational base manning, crew skill mix, construction sequence and mission activity schedules, simulation and training, etc. Early design, development, test, and evaluation (DDT&E) programs must be directed at developing and demonstrating this new area of space technology. 3. Operational Space Base Control Operations The magnitude of operational activity required in LEO and GEO to accomplish the implementation and operations of the 112 SPS systems, when considering total personnel operating on Earth and in space; multiple vehicles moving between, to, and from Earth, LEO, and GEO bases; the space manufacturing and construction tasks; and the massive cargo requirements as discussed in previous sections, has led to a mission management concept assigning significant operations and control authority to the space base elements of the SPS system. The implications of basing control, operations, and management functions in space will have philosophical, programmatic, economic, and technical repercussions upon the composition of future space program concepts, particularly when examined in the context of resource requirements, costs, systems definition, and relatable requirements for advanced technology development. In this study, the concept of in-space operational control has only been identified and further analysis is required. 4. Simulation and Training Operations The operation of space manufacturing and construction equipment will require manned and automated tasks involving a broad range of skill mix activities that have not been exercised or required in past or current space programs. With the involvement of thousands of ground and orbital crew personnel in conjunction with the large and massive space structures and equipment required for SPS production and operations, the area of simulation and training operations and facilities has only been identified in this study and further analysis is required.
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