Progressive types of photovoltaic converters have been proposed by the scientific school of Academician Z. Alfyorov and by specialists of the All-Union Institute of Current Sources (Moscow). A study of turbo-engine methods of solar energy conversion is being carried out at the Moscow Aviation Institute and Dniepro- petrovsk State University. There are original projects of SPS element transfer from a low orbit to a geostationary one, using electric rocket engines, including versions with microwave energy transmission from Earth to Space). An interesting solution to the problem of launching heavy loads into the orbit with the help of an electromagnetic gun has been proposed by Dr. B. Osadin. The space power group, headed by Dr. V. Vanke and M. V. Lomonosov, Moscow State University, holds the leading position in the investigation of questions concerning directed microwave beam formation, radiation passing through the atmosphere and inverse transformation of microwave energy into direct current. The most recent important achievements of this group are the unique antenna with radially polarized emission and a powerful high-voltage cyclotron microwave converter. In particular we ought to consider the work by Dr. V. Vanke in his devotion to ecological aspects of the SPS problem: these have proved that strict standards of radiation, security and electromagnetic compatibility can be observed over the limits of the receiving system. In Saint Petersburg the idea of the direct conversion of solar energy into guided microwave emission has been developed by the group under the supervision of Prof. V. Grilikhes. This group has created a solar-active phased antenna grid based on a non-linear, semiconductor structure. Dr. V. Rybakov with collaborators (Moscow Aviation Institute) proposed a new method of microwave generation using plasma ionic thrusters. In the 1980’s in the Soviet Union a number of SPS demonstration projects were developed. They proposed launching the satellites into sun-synchronous orbits. In fact, the realization of these projects has only been delayed because of lack of finance. The necessity of a more balanced approach by the government to the different energy programs is obvious. Up until now substantial funds have been spent towards solving the problem of controlled fusion reaction, which has not been realized even on the level of laboratory installations. In the midst of a hard energy and ecology crisis - fear of radioactivity in the awake of the Chernobyl tragedy - the Ukraine possesses a mighty space rocket potential. This could take the lead in a large-scale space power program, the results of which might turn out to be the greatest reward for mankind on the difficult and expensive route to space exploration. We realize the necessity for major reorientation of public opinion in favour of space power development. The world youth comic strip competition organised in conjunction with the Paris symposium served to popularise the SPS concept. The
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