Laser Prospects for SPS and Restoration of the Ozone Layer YURI KRUZHILIN+ Summary Large-scale applications of high-power lasers are considered (special experiments are described to confirm the feasibility of these applications) to achieve also large-scale environmental advantages. The possibility of producing electric energy by Laser-Solar Power Satellites in the near future is discussed. A full-scale experimental L-SPS satellite is suggested as a module of a global space energy network. Electric power of about 10 MW at the surface of the Earth is achievable as a result of energy conversion of laser radiation. L-SPS is based on the greatest advantages of present optics and laser techniques. Specialized-scale experiments are carried out and described, providing diffraction-limited laser beams with a divergency of 1.7* 10‘6 radian (which is sufficient for energy transportation even to mobile energy receivers). L-SPS project could provide real electricity for consumers not later than by highly developed fusion techniques, and the environmental aftereffects are quite favorable. A new method of power supply for satellites is suggested, based on the connection of an on-board electric circuit directly with the ground-based power grid by means of laser beams. This possibility would be advantageous for the SPS system in at least two branches: for cheaper transportation of payloads from LEO to GEO and for orbital manoeuvre of special spacecrafts for SPS maintenance, both possibilities could be realized by means of electrical propulsion. At a nearest step of such large-scale laser applications the restoration of the ozone layer by ground-based lasers is considered. It is shown that this application is now technically possible. Introduction Scientists, dealing with a global analysis of economy, ecology and demography, hold the same opinion: in the near future it is inevitable that new global energy sources should be developed with significantly better environmental and economic properties. * NPO “Astrophysika”, Moscow, Russia Republic
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