area, not his center. These technology areas are required for satellite power systems. We have studied, in the context of our past efforts, many of the systems and approaches proposed by others, several of which you have heard here in the past few days. In particular, we have studied the concepts of Peter Glaser of the Arthur D. Little Co. and the thermal satellite power system discussed by the Boeing Co. earlier. And both, we find, are good conceptual design studies. Some of their estimates and projections may be somewhat optimistic, but overall they appear to be possible. We have no significant criticism of either system. And to the level of our present understanding, both the photovoltaic and the thermal system appear equally viable. Both options require significant technology advances, as well as further definition, and should be pursued further by NASA and industry. The space colonization concept presented by Professor O'Neill is not really a satellite power system so much as it is a method to build one. It involves advanced space technology and capability, as do the satellite power systems, and has not yet been reviewed by NASA in this context to the depth necessary to evaluate its applicability to satellite power systems. The concept has additional implications, but basic ideas, such as the emphasis on manufacture in space, may be the ultimate key to viability of satellite power systems. In addition to assessing the above systems, we are performing system definition studies in-house. The first figure [Fig. 1] represents a preliminary configuration of the orbital powerplant portion of a system that is presently under definition and analysis at the Johnson Space Center. I should emphasize that it is very preliminary at this time. At the present time, its major differences with previously mentioned systems are the structural configuration and the two transmitting antennas which make it equivalent to two 5,000-megawatt powerplants. For comparison, Consolidated Edison of New York has at present installed generating capacity of approximately 7,300 megawatts; Greater Houston, my home, is 6,800; and all of TVA is 14,900 megawatts. The solar energy converter has not been selected for this system yet. Both photovoltaic and thermal converters remain under consideration. The next figure [Fig. 2] indicates an artist's concept of what the ground-based microwave receiving station might look like, emphasizing that this could be located near the consumer, largely independent of weather conditions; since satellite power stations would not require ground sites with high average sunlight, we could tolerate a significant amount of weather.
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