SPS Hearings, 94th Congress January 1976

In addition to the full statement, I have a supplement here to my statement—and I would like for that to also appear in the record, if you would, sir. [See page 52.] Senator Ford. Certainly will. Thank you. Mr. Taylor. And I have brought with me a few models here in front that I hope to maybe answer some of the questions. I was very interested to hear Dr. Glaser's testimony, and I think we 'will hit upon a couple of the points, questions that were asked to him also with some of the models here—and maybe clarify some of those points. We certainly appreciate the opportunity to present our views on the production of energy in space for use on Earth. The importance of this subject cannot be overstated. The harnessing of solar energy in space is not new to Boeing. For years we have used the Sun to power spacecraft. Lunar Orbiter and Mariner 10 were two successful examples. We are also developing means of harnessing solar energy here on Earth. A Boeing Co. division dedicated to the energy field is helping demonstrate technologies needed for the establishing of a ground- based solar electric power station. This demonstration program, as envisioned by the Energy Research and Development Administration, utilizes acres of large steerable mirrors which will focus the Sun's rays into a thermal cavity atop a centrally located tower almost 100 feet taller than the Washington Monument. The heat generated in this central receiver will power a turbine engine which produces electricity from alternators. The technical feasibility and operational performance of these steerable mirrors—called heliostats—is being demonstrated under a contract with ERDA. Under another contract, with the Electric Power Research Institute, Boeing is participating in the development of the overall powerplant, with primary emphasis on the central receiver. These technologies are down to earth. However, they also may prove to be adaptable to space-based power systems. This, of course, is what I am here to talk about—our concept, called Powersat. First, however, let me briefly discuss what I am not going to tell you. I am not going to tell you that Boeing has the only solution to the energy crisis. There is no one answer to a problem so complex. I am not going to tell you that power satellites are feasible. We think they may be, but this must be proved and it is no easy task. I am not going to tell you that power satellites, if feasible, will be the only way to go. They should complement other existing and new energy sources. I am not even going to try to sell you Boeing's concept of a power satellite. We think that, at this time, it offers much promise. But only time—and much study—will tell. What I will do is describe our Powersat concept to you; show how it differs from Dr. Glaser's concept; explain how we developed our approach and why we believe it merits consideration; give you our thoughts on some future steps the United States can take. We have attempted to approach space-based solar power as a total concept. In addition to the satellite itself, we have addressed our efforts to the system's other needs: new modes of space transporta-

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