Donald J. Kessler Environmental Effects Project B. ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS Although the environmental effects of the SPS is catagorized as shown in the previous investigation for a direct comparison with coal-fired and nuclear systems, the information required to produce the comparable numbers is gathered in another manner. In order to group the areas of investigated and direct activity in certain areas of expertise the investigation of environmental considerations fell into three areas: a. Vehicle Emission b. Microwave Beam c. Operational Space Environment For vehicle emissions, both the type of fuel and number of launches can be varied throughout the lifetime of the SPS program. These in turn can change the type and magnitude of the pollutants. Table VIII-B-1 identified the area of investigations required for the determination of environmental impact from launch vehicles. The situation for microwave beams is somewhat different because the microwave frequency and probable energy level can be fixed, thereby reducing the scope of the investigations. Table VIII-B-2 defines the areas of investigations identified for microwave beam investigations. An area of investigation peculiar to the SPS, which must be reviewed and defined, is the operational space environment. Because this system operates in an area and environment where other power systems do not operate, namely 36000km above the earth, these environmental problems are not encountered in coal or nuclear systems. All systems have specific areas of environmental concern which are unique to that system. Because of the space environment of the solar collector, this area must be carefully evaluated. Table VIII-B-3 summarizes the specific points of environmental concern which have been identified. SPS ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY In general, the details of knowledge and the level of concern for these various parameters have been summarized as follows:
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