Orbital Operation The results of a sample calculation for the flight demonstration are presented in Fig. 9. In order to maximize the output power of the solar array, it is desirable that the orbital plane be close to the ecliptic plane when an inclination change is not intended by MPD thruster operation. The MPD thrusters are operated when SFU flies in the orbit of the daytime hemisphere of the Earth, and they are at rest when SFU flies in the orbit of the night side. The SFU flies inertially during the night-time. As shown in Fig. 9, the obtained loop is distorted by the inertial flight during night-time and the drag due to rarefied but still influencing atmosphere. Predicted orbital deviation caused by MPD thruster operation are as follows: Microwave Energy Transmission Test (METT) Microwave energy transmission is an important space technology when space exploitation involves large power generation and consumption. The technology will be applied for electrical power supply between orbital system elements such as an orbital space factory, space platform, free-flying orbital laboratory etc. It can be used even for power transmission from an orbital electrical power plant to customers on the earth. Experimental Objectives The objectives of this experiment are: (1) Orbital test of the hardware designed for microwave power transmission; (2) Verification of retrodirective and computer-controlled microwave beam control in space; (3) Accumulation of experience in operation of a space power system consisting of several system elements in orbital motion; and (4) Environmental study on the interaction of microwaves and the atmosphere and ionosphere. Configuration and Characteristics The configuration of the METT experiment system is shown by Fig. 10. The characteristics of the main element of the METT system are summarized in the following:
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