The Solar Power Satellite - A goal for the economic development of space

Technological advances since the original proposal for SPS stations in 1968 indicate that mainly environmental and funding concerns, rather than feasibility, are the remaining questions in any decisions to initiate an SPS project. The actual construction could commence once satellites are beaming power to one another at microwave frequencies and orbital transfer vehicles are in operation. It is suggested that the SPS be treated as a long term goal of the space program, and that technologies which will be needed to begin construction or fulfill intermediate tasks before the construction be identified and developed as part of other space activities. The Space Station is regarded as the first step in that process, to be followed by extensive on-orbit repair and manufacturing capabilities, an orbit transfer system and establishment of a permanently manned lunar base.