IV. TECHNOLOGY STATUS AND REQUIREMENTS Realization of any viable satellite power system will require numerous technological advances on many fronts. The current status and future requirements in key SPS developmental areas are discussed in this section under the following headings: • Transportation System • Space Solar Power • Space Nuclear Power • Microwave Transmission • Large Space Structures • Energy Conversion It is recognized by most all researchers in the SPS area that a successful program will require a new generation of both orbit transfer and launch vehicles. This problem is currently under detailed study at the NASA Lewis Research Center, the Johnson Space Center, and at various contractors. It is discussed in Section 1. Section 2 discusses space solar power in terms of the developments that will be required in the area of SPS solar power components. Section 3 discusses nuclear power and points out the unique requirements in this area. An area that has been the subject of some study is microwave transmission of power. Raytheon and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in particular, have conducted rather extensive studies into the problems associated with this area; Section 4 summarizes these efforts. All investigators agree that considerable advances are needed in the fabrication and assembly of large space structures prior to development of the first operational SPS. Section 5 contains a rather detailed discussion of this area and lists 14 requirements/considerations that must be addressed. The Johnson Space Center sponsored a study conducted by Martin Marietta which dealt in detail with the orbital assembly and maintenance of large space structures. Many other studies dealing with the design and construction of these systems have been completed or are in progress. Both Marshall Space
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