It is instructive to contemplate the history of space technology when one is attempting to imagine the potential of its future. Still vivid are Images of the early space vehicles of the late 1950’s climbing into the Florida sky, all
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SPACE SOLAR
How long would it all take? Is this a next-century solution to a this-century problem? Boeing’s preliminary studies have indicated that an orderly three-phase development program (see fig. 7) could place the first operating powersat in service in approximately 15
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Solar energy has bathed the Earth throughout its history. The ancient Greeks had begun to recognize some of its potentials for man. Small machines using solar energy were built and exhibited during the 19th century, but they were mostly curiosities.