Moon vs. GEO for solar power

> Combs, mike Wrote:
>
> So we need two collection systems and two transmitters on the lunar
surface for every one in GEO. Why do lunar surface advocates fail to
view this as a significant disadvantage (and additional expense)?
>
> Only one transmitter Mike. I'm suggesting that costs of operations
and fab on the moon surface may be lower, sufficient to overcome those
in "deep" space. Some human presence will be needed and that don't
come easy in "deep" space. Once established IMHO the operation and
maintenance on the moon's surface can be automated easier. The moon
option I believe is more doable -- sooner. Time will tell us,
hopefully. I think we must keep our options open and not assume
solutions. Both are viable at this juncture.
>
> Gary S

Just as others have asked, I'll ask as well - how do you get power
from the collectors to the transmitter. Do you cover half a hemisphere
with cables? Do you have a series of microwave relay towers? Do you
have a bunch of mice in an airtube? What?

Now how do you handle beam diffusion over a 250,000 miles?

How do you synchronize power beaming so that the station on Earth
receives continuous supply? How many relay satellites in GEO do you
need to redirect the lunar power down to Earth? Where will the
material to construct these relay satellites come from? How much
smaller than SPS do you envision these relay satellites to be?

How do you handle differential orbital planes between the Moon and Earth?

How much more collection area do you require than an SPS to
compensate, as others have noted, for the solar angle changing?

How much strain can the silicon collectors go through as they cycle
through 500 C temperature range?

How do yo plan on taming a lunar corridor half a hemisphere in length
if you are going to be transmitting the power from the collectors to
your single transmitter? How do you plan on bridging canyons,
mountains, and other obstacles?

And you think all of these problems are easier to solve than hurling a
bunch of regolith into orbit via a mass driver and constructing an SPS
in orbit?

I'd love to read your analysis on these issues.

TangoMan