SPS structures and control: A perspective

The characteristics and design requirements for the structure and control systems for a solar power satellite were evaluated. A simplistic, indicative analysis on a representative configuration was developed. Representative configuration masses and dimensions are given in convenient approximate magnitudes. The significance of structure control interaction and the significance of stiffness to the minimization of dynamic energy was demonstrated. It was found that the thermal environment for the SPS was dominated by solar radiation and waste heat rejection by the antenna. A more in-depth assessment of the control system design and associated system performance is still needed, specifically the inter-relatonships between control sensors, actuators, and structural response.