1. System Concepts Each of the major proposed systems can be readily partitioned into three subsystems: (1) the orbital subsystem, (2) the microwave transmission subsystem, and (3) the terrestrial receiving/rectifying subsystem. The latter two subsystems are essentially identical for any of the proposed orbital subsystems. The Power Relay Satellite concept also requires a terrestrial transmitter. The orbital subsystem, then, determines the concept. There are seven basic conceits: Photovoltaic Solar Thermal (Closed Brayton Cycle) Solar Thermal (Thermionic Conversion) Solar Thermal (Cascaded System) Nuclear (Closed Brayton Cycle) Nuclear (Thermionic Conversion) Power Relay Satellite Each of these is very briefly defined in subsection a, below; sub- I sections b and c deal with the microwave and rectenna subsystems. More complete descriptions of all concepts and subsystems are contained in Section III. a. Orbital Systems It is the basic function of the orbital system to generate sufficient microwave power to provide 5 (or 10) GW at the terrestrial busbar after all losses due to transmission and conversion. The Power Relay Satellite, of course, must reflect rather than generate this amount of power. (1) The Photovoltaic Concept This concept directly converts solar radiation to electricity by means of two extremely large arrays of silicon solar cells. The usual design consists of rectangular arrays about 2.7 mi x 3.2 mi (4.3 km x 5.2 km) separated by the microwave transmitter. Mirrors are used to concentrate the solar radiation onto the cells to increase the power output. The solar collector panels are supported by both
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