Japanese SPS in 2004 ?

Prior to launchiung the operational SPS, what is the word on technology
demonstrators being lacunhed in the preceding years ? The Japanese are not being very talkative about the specifics of their plan. But tech demonstrators prior to the first functional prototype are probably a safe bet. As far as the timing on that, your guess would be as good as mine. One thing they said I found very intriguing. While acknowledging that the SPS design they contemplate would produce more expensive power than what could be had by other means, the spokesperson said that they were looking at means of bringing the costs down. Makes me wonder. The Japanese were trying to sell NASA on the idea of building a moonbase a few years back. Hmmmm... Although the risk of nuclear power is generally appreciated, the risk of
global warming is not.

What will it take to change public perception on global warming ? This
is probably the last barrier to SPS. Some catastrophic disaster brought about by weather changes or rising sea levels. It won't be real for most people until they see some sudden tragedy strike involving billions in damage. It's sad but true that we don't usually takea looming danger seriously until it's practically staring us in the face.

Regards,

Mike Combs