re: SPS
SPS.
I remember lots of positive articles about SSPS in 1976-1979.
Then in the 80's , an article mentionning 3 issues:
It's so huge that when you finish the assembly, the first installed panels will have downgraded so much as to force their replacement.
What about the continuous microwave flooding at the receptors' area (the environemental effects)?
Atmospheric drag will be very strong at the height of the Shuttle's orbit.
But then, it's out of the question to use the shuttle for that matter.
Raoul