The Power Relay Satellite DR. PETER E. GLASER* Summary: The availability and use of renewable energy sources compatible with reducing risks to the global environment are key to sustainable development. Large- scale, renewable energy resources at undeveloped or underutilized sites are potentially available on several continents. The Power Relay Satellite (PRS) concept has the potential to access these remote energy resources by uncoupling primary electricity generation from terrestrial transmission lines. A global PRS network can be envisioned to provide a high degree of flexibility for supplying energy demands worldwide with wireless power transmitted from sites on Earth to geosynchronous orbit and then reflected to receivers interfacing with terrestrial power transmission networks. Past developments in wireless power transmission (WPT) are reviewed and recent successful results are noted. The origins of the PRS concept, and a possible configuration are discussed, principles of WPT at microwave frequencies, functional requirements, and system design constraints are outlined, and space transportation concepts presented. PRS assessments including applicable technologies, economic projections, and societal issues are highlighted. It is concluded that the PRS provides a promising option to access renewable resources at great distances from major markets, and represents an important stage in the future development of solar power satellites. Introduction The availability and use of energy in all of its varied forms have been key determinants in the evolution of life on Earth; they will continue to have a dominant influence on human affairs on Earth and the evolution of human activities in space. The realizations that the Earth system is closed in a material sense and that it virtually remains in a steady-state with respect to matter have strengthened the belief that the availability of renewable or inexhaustible resources will be essential to the continued progress of humanity. Technology always has had a strong influence on the nature and development of industrial activities. These capabilities already demonstrated during the preceding three decades of space exploration have created a foundation for the evolutionary steps that can be taken to achieve the promise of the space frontier. Now that this new frontier has been opened, there is no turning back. Space activities are expected to influence the 21st Century's international, political and commercial relationships as significantly as airplanes, electronics, computers and communications shaped the global economy of the 20th Century. The development of the space infrastructure must be viewed within the context of large-scale engineering endeavors continuing over an extended period. These * Vice President Arthur D. Little, Inc. Cambridge, MA 02140
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