k. FULL-SCALE SPS SATELLITE SALVAGE ALTERNATIVES Starting in the year 2001 and continuing through the year 2030, two lull-scale SPS satellites will become operational each year in addition to a full-scale SPS satellite becomming operational in the year 2000. The full-scale satellite characteristics are summarized in Tables 1.1 and 3.2. Current plans call for these satellites remaining in operation for a period of 30 years at which time they will be taken out of service. When this occurs it is likely that major portions of the full- scale satellites will prove useful in other space activities. The full-scale SPS satellites will thus have a salvage value that is related to their value when used in other space activities. The salvage value, as measured by costs that will be foregone because of the use of full-scale SPS satellites, will derive from the use of the full-scale satellites: 1. In a continuing SPS program (termed ’’SPS reuse”) 2. As a source of power for non-SPS space activities 3. As a power supply for a laser orbit-to-orbit transportation system 4. As a power supply for laser propelled aircraft 5. As a source of power for accomplishing asteroid capture and mining 6. As a source of space-based materials. These potential uses and the derived salvage value of the full-scale satellites are discussed in the following paragraphs. 4.1 Salvage for SPS Reuse The full-scale operational satellite consists of a power generation system utilizing gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) solar cells with a concentration ratio of two; an attitude control/station keeping system utilizing argon ion thrusters; a
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