many power-related experiments but also would offer the opportunity to develop spacecraft operations to a point where quick turnarounds and many flights approach routine. The Shuttle also will be able to carry into orbit the material needed for the fabrication of the space station currently under study by NASA. This station will do much in the development of the techniques needed for the fabrication of large structures in space. Among other efforts worth pursuing are the development of spacebased thermal and photovoltaic conversion technologies; demonstration on earth of the techniques needed for RF power transmission in space; space-based RF transmission experiments form small spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit; determination of the environmental impacts, particularly the effects of microwave transmission—solar power appears to be an extremely clean form of power generation, but this must be proved; an orderly development of space transportation systems, not only for power satellites but for continued development of the many uses of space. These and other steps must be scheduled in phases which insure an aggressive but orderly development. Each must pave the way for the next. A major expenditure of funds on system development need not begin until technical and economic feasibility have been proved. This development scheme fits into an ongoing evolution. It began with an expendable space system phase which grew out of the military missile capability of World War II. It was dominated by Apollo and brought about the development of space-based communications and observation systems. We are now into a second phase, marked by the development of the Shuttle and orbital assembly capabilities. The third phase is at our doorstep. It will embrace the development of large global utility systems. Powersat offers this phase a focus that will allow an orderly development of space transport and orbital assembly tools needed for a wide variety of space applications. Boeing already has begun work, both under contracts to NASA and within a growing research program. Our pursuits include: a study of system concepts for Space-Shuttle-derived heavy-lift launch vehicles; an extensive future space transportation systems analysis; a study of the design of large spacecraft; investigation of space-based power conversion and power relay systems; payload utilization study for a solar-electric-propulsion stage. There are more. And we plan to expand our effort. But the overall job is too big for industry alone. Leadership and support must come from the Government. Space-based solar power is an objective behind which the entire Nation could rally. It may prove to be the Nation's opportunity to capitalize on its investment in the space program. It is a prime opportunity to strike toward energy independence. Certainly, it will require a large expenditure, probably calling for a financial commitment over the next quarter century many times greater than the Moon-landing program. But the payoff will certainly surpass the expense. These orbiting energy producers eventually will pay their own way—even amortizing the development costs. And early into the next century these same satellites also could be producing power which, by swiveling the transmitting antenna a few degrees,
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