allows the export of energy to receivers in other lands. That is, if power satellites are feasible. We will never know without taking the first steps. Mr. Chairman, you must help the executive branch set its options. To some, the immediacy may not be apparent. But if we wait until the crunch is upon us, we again will find that we will pay whatever we must to obtain energy. And then, indeed, the price will be high, without any hope of amortizing the investment. The studies must begin now. If we wait until the lights go out, until the last lump of coal and the last drop of oil are gone, we and our children will be caught bundled in long-johns reaching for the alternate sources of energy, which won't be there. We appreciate very much the opportunity to get to explain to you our concept, and we would be happy to try to answer your questions. [Prepared statement of Richard W. Taylor and supplementary material submitted for the record follow:] Statement of Richard W. Taylor, Vice President, The Boeing Co. Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee: I am Richard W. Taylor, a Vice President of The Boeing Company, with me is Dr. Glenn L. Keister and Ralph H. Nansen of the Boeing Aerospace Company, a division of The Boeing Company. I have a supplement to my statement that I wish to place into the record. Additionally, I have with me several models with which I will illustrate the Boeing power satellite concept. The Boeing Company appreciates this opportunity to present its views on the production of energy in space for use on earth. The importance of this subject cannot be overstated. New energy sources must be developed to complement existing systems if society is to continue to flourish. 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 Company division dedicated to the energy field is helping demonstrate technologies needed for the establishment of a ground-based solar electric power station. This demonstration program, as envisioned by the Energy Research and Development Administration, utilizes acres ot 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 an engine which produces electricity. 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 Engineering and Construction is participating in the development of the overall power plant, 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'm 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 job. I am not going to tell you that power satellites, IF feasible, will be the only to 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.
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