Senator Ford. Is there a possibility of providing for the record some sort of a projected timetable or recommended timetable, where NASA and ERDA could come together, or ERDA set theirs or NASA set theirs, so we might have it for the record? Dr. Lenoir. We can send you a timetable for the record. I think what it would probably have to be is the one that serves as a guideline to focus our thinking. The unofficial chronology that has guided the satellite power team's efforts to date is: 1976-80 (phase 1)—System definition and ground-based technology development. Early 1980's (phase 2)—Space-based technology development (shuttle). Mid-1980's (phase 3)—Subscale, orbital demonstration (less than 100 MW). ~1991 (phase 4)—Medium-scale prototype (^500 MW). ~1995 (phase 5)—Operational 10,000 MW satellite. We emphasize that these dates are not part of any NASA plans or programs but merely served to provide the same focus for satellite power team members in their efforts. Dr. Low. Mr. Chairman, I can commit to one thing; namely, that we will start working with ERDA immediately, this week, next week, to see how— Senator Ford. That is fast for a bureaucracy up here, “this week” or “next,” so I want to compliment you on that. Dr. Low. What I cannot commit is how long it will take ERDA to assess there technologies before they would be ready to provide funds to NASA. Senator Ford. Would we have any other uses for a satellite solar power station, instead of directing the power to utility companies— how about using the power for, say, space manufacturing? We are talking about using this space shuttle as a place where we would be mixing metals that we cannot mix on Earth. How about beaming power from one satellite to a whole group of satellites to meet their power requirements? Are there many uses that we might expect? Dr. Low. There are many such in-space applications of electrical power—since Dr. Kraft is here with us today perhaps he would like to add to the answer. Dr. Kraft. Mr. Chairman, first, I would like to say that I am a strong believer in space solar power stations. I think, however, that we can go about it in a reasonable fashion so that we won't have to make any strong financial commitment at this time. It is my feeling that the kinds of things that we must do in space in order to take advantage of the space platform's environment; namely, that of a vacuum at zero G, will lead us also in the direction of space solar power. For example, we will work on the building of large structures in order to develop space manufacturing. So I think the two are very complementary. I am hopeful that we can bring the program along in that direction. I think it will be beneficial, then, to many of the other things that NASA has in mind. Senator Ford. Well, when you say many other things—what are the uses or needs that we have for a heavy-lift rocket? Any of you can answer the question.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==