The y-axis (ordinate) is generation costs in mills/ kwh of alternative (terrestrial) systems. The range of costs resulting from the Berkley/JPL report is indicated. The curve P-P is used to parametrically estimate the DDT&E payback as a function of alternative electric generation systems' costs. Its shape depends on the discount rate and the SSPS buildup rate. Were alternative generating systems' cost not to exceed 27 mills/kwh -- the SSPS estimate -- DDT&E would not bje repaid. Indeed, the function becomes asymptotic to the x-axis at about 31 mills/kwh, indicating that at least 4 mills/kwh difference between SSPS and terrestrial systems is required to payback the DDT&E. (Again, this presumes that the total DDT&E bill accrues to SSPS.) As indicated, were, for example, the alternative generation cost 35 mills/kwh -- point A on the y-axis -- the DDT&E would be repaid by CY 2012 with 57 five thousand megawatt operational SSPS units. Additional economic analyses were performed for key developments in the SSPS program; and a comparative analysis was performed on the PRS. The major findings are summarized below. These findings depend upon the resolution of the technology areas summarized below. Many of these technologies require significant developments. Of particular importance for the economic and technical feasibility of SSPS is a "heavy lift" launch vehicle sized to at least 182x103kg(400x103lbs.). Also, it should be noted that risk analysis of the development programs and operations is a required step before any "hard"
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