approach described above is referred to as ‘Macrophasing' by Nagatomo [2]. The concept of 10 MW SPS is described in detail elsewhere [3]. In the present paper the platform facility SFU and the onboard advanced technology experiments are reviewed in relation to the SPS technologies. The preparatory studies for the space test are also included. Energetics Experiments The advanced technology experiments which will be done on the SFU and have relevance to energy exploitation, are summarized in the following. (1) 2-Dimensional Array Deployment Test (2d-Array). The experiment intends to demonstrate a two-dimensionally deployable solar array, and to verify the effectiveness of a tension-stabilized large space structure. (2) High Voltage Solar Array (HVSA) Experiment. Power generation at high voltage is imperative for the lightweight solar array. The upper limit of output voltage will be determined for HVSA interfering with the space plasma. (3) Electric Propulsion Experiment (EPEX). As an electric propulsion system, the Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster is tested to demonstrate its thrust performance and to assess the impact of exhaust plume on the ionospheric environment. The MPD thruster system will be applied for the orbit transfer of a large structure such as SPS array. (4) Microwave Energy Transmission Test (METT). A retrodirective antenna is used in the microwave beam control. The wave transmission through the plasma and the plasma heating is measured between the STS and the SFU. (5) Space Experiment with Particle Accelerators (SEPAC). This is an active experiment employing electron beam and plasma accelerators. By the beam injection into the ionosphere, the artificial aurora, the airglow and the plasma waves are excited. The excited waves, the emitted light and the plasma particles are monitored by the diagnostic probes onboard the STS while the accelerators are operated on the platform. The spacecraft charging and its neutralization are also an experimental objective. (6) Other experiments. Three experiments are under study in addition to those listed above. One of them is Solar Pumped Laser System which is a direct photon-photon converter and eliminates intermediate electrical power generation from solar radiation. The second is a Laser Propulsion System which is the propulsion system driven by a high power laser. The third is a Thermodynamic Engine equipped with a large solar light collector. The first two experiments are called Space Laser Experiment (SLEX). Space Flyer Unit The Space Flyer Unit (SFU) is a free-flying platform to be carried and deployed by the US STS. It is designed as an observatory-carrying telescope and a testbed for advanced technology. The configuration of SFU is mission-dependent as shown in Fig. 2. The fundamental characteristics of the SFU which are considered as design goals are as follows: (1) Inexpensive integration procedures. (2) Cost-effective reusable system. (3) Potential capability of the space station element. The SFU has an octagonal geometry and can accommodate eight trapezoidal boxes, two of which are bus compartments and six of which are payload compartments. The
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==