Information and Analysis for SPS Projects: Prospects and Problems A.P.SMAKHTIN, I.I.KURKIN, V.V.RYBAKOV' * Summary: The paper discusses the systematic foundations and principles of elaboration of an international computer information and analysis system for Space Power System (SPS) problems. The creation of this system makes possible research on SPS projects at a rapid pace and the incorporation of more details by scientists of different professions. The computer system becomes all the more useful because information can be exchanged via Internet. The possibility of power transmission by means of focused electromagnetic beams for solving a number of different applied problems has been much investigated in recent years. Investigation of this kind originates from the Solar Power Satellite concept proposed by Peter Glaser in 1968 [1], The need for power on Earth can be met by means of power from space. Subsequently a large variety of beam power problems have been studied. Now there are two groups of problems for which methods of beam power engineering have great promise. The first group is power problems the second group is ecological problems. Although we will not give the full list of projects for power problem solutions, we shall consider the most characteristic projects of this kind. Apart from the above-mentioned P. Glaser's project of the orbital power station for ground power supply, it has also been suggested that a passive orbital reflector be launched into space for power transmission between two distant regions [2,3], In addition, there are the projects of power transmission from the Earth to a spacecraft for power supply of both a microwave or a laser rocket engine and a spacecraft-borne power plant [4], In the future, space engineering development, which is accompanied by the great increase of power supply for spacecraft with high efficiency and reliability, will generate a need for using the special power orbital station for power transmission to other spacecraft by means of wireless power transmission. In the last few years, the projects of orbital power station for the Moon and the Mars power supply were suggested too [5], The projects of this kind have been very promising for mastering of above-mentioned heavenly bodies because in this case there is no need for a de-orbit system with associated fuel store. The second group of SPS projects are directed toward solving the ecological problems [6,7], For example the Earth's extreme north regions can be naturally illuminated by an orbital sunlight reflector during long Arctic nights. There are also some suggestions for the restoration of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere and for the collapse of typhoons or cyclonic hurricanes by means of wireless power transmission. Obviously, this list of power beam applications will be supplemented after more understanding of the SPS's potential is attained. * Moscow Aviation Institute Moscow, Russia
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