would provide the capacity to increase the beamed power for the same system dimensions. An increase to 50 mW/cm^ is not expected to result in heating of the ionosphere based on the results of the ionosphere-microwave beam interaction tests performed at the Arecibo. P.R. facility. PRS Development Factors The PRS development will have to include comparative technical, economic, and societal assessments to ensure that the most effective technologies are chosen for specific projects. Many factors will need to be evaluated including: • Selection of the optimum microwave frequencies based on the location of the sites for the transmission and reception of beams; • Variations in atmospheric attenuation and weather conditions; • Magnitude of beamed energy determined by the beam cross section, the maximum allowable flux density at the center and perimeter of the beam, and health, safety, environmental and other societal requirements; • Type of service to be provided (baseload, intermediate, or peak); • Required system reliability; and • Economic and market considerations. The implementation of the PRS will occur as the space infrastructure is developed and space transportation, space operations, and assembly using more mature and advanced systems are demonstrated. Thus the competitive cost structure required for the PRS will benefit from the experience gained in the construction and operation of elements of the space infrastructure that are directly applicable to the PRS development program. Conclusions The PRS is a passive device that can be designed to meet the PRS system requirements. The microwave beam transmitter and rectenna are based on a legacy of over 40 years of development, manufacture and application of a wide range of products for commercial and defense markets. Specific findings in this study are: • The microwave - based WPT technologies can apply demonstrated performance efficiency and significant existing design, development and manufacturing capabilities to meet PRS system requirements; • The engineering and cost challenges of the power beam reflector are achievable with technical advances normally expected in a development program;
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==