system based on heavy-lift launch vehicles is used. The achievement of low-cost space transportation will be essential to the commercial success of the SSPS. d. Assembly The large number of components, most of them performing an identical function, and the role of man in assembling these components pose the requirement for careful evaluation of the methods of assembly, the packaging of components, assembly rates, and maintenance support facilities. There are two basic approaches to assembly: (1) Remote assembly using ground controlled teleoperators . (2) Assembly of components delivered to synchronous orbit by an assembly crew operating from a space station support base as part of extravehicular activities. It is highly likely that a combination of both manned operations and teleoperators will evolve, where man's most important function will be to exercise control over the assembly process. e. Maintenance With any major system such as the SSPS, the design criteria, choices of materials, and data on component life and the expected operating conditions will determine reliability. Redundancy of components through the use of large numbers of identical components, for example, solar cells, will tend to reduce maintenance requirements. The cost of performing repairs has to be evaluated and compared with the option of delaying repairs and accepting the potential loss of revenue while achieving operational lifetimes consistent with cost analyses of the SSPS operation. The goal will be to evolve maintenance-free designs, particularly for the solar cell blankets and the microwave generator subsystems. f. Cost An operational 5000 MW SSPS would cost about $7.6 billion (Exhibit 6) , or about $1500/kW. The largest cost element is space
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