The nodes of the diagram (shown as balloons) represent C^2 centers, while solid lines betwen nodes represent communications links. The wavy line between each power satellite and its corresponding receiving facility (rectenna) on the Earth represents the pilot beam, while the heavy crosshatched line is the power transmission beam. The jagged line between each rectenna and an energy utility network represents the electrical power supplied by the rectenna. C^2 nodes in the Satellite Power System (whether or not owned by the legal entities managing the SPS program) include the SPS Program Headquarters,* Earth launch facilities, launch vehicles, the LEO and GEO bases, orbit-to-orbit and sortie vehicles, the power satellites, and the rectennas. All of these have been discussed before. C^2 centers at each of these SPS elements typically include a variety of sensors (e.g., radars), data processing and display equipment, and com- munications equipment. Each C^2 center is manned by people who are trained and responsible for decisionmaking germane to the functions of that element. SPS C^2 Centers (Typical). The C^2 centers at each SPS facility have responsibility for normal SPS operations (including power generation on board the power satellites, control of the power beam at the power satellite and at the rectenna, and general communications management); for construction operations; for maintenance operations; for control of space traffic in the immediate vicinity of the SPS element; and for command and control of military equipment (if any) at the SPS element, including operation of surveillance systems, self-defensive weaponry, and offensive weaponry. C^2 Centers at the Power Satellites and at the Rectennas. The C^2 centers at each power satellite and at each rectenna have the same kinds of equipment and the same scope of authority as other C^2 centers, except for the addition of the pilot beam controlling the microwave power beam. Since the pilot beam is a key element in the fail-safe design of the SPS, additional protection and precautions must be implemented to prevent unauthorized interference with, or deliberate military misuses of, the pilot beam. *The term "Program Headquarters” includes offices of the legal entities controlling SPS as well as offices, laboratories, and Earth-based facilities of the operating entities.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==