Don M. Flournoy

The Weekly “World Report” on CNN, an Analysis:

A comparison of stories sampled from CNNs weekly “World Report” reveals coverage patterns different from those demonstrated by ABC, CBS, and NBC in other studies. Since 1987 the “World Report” has presented short contributions from other countries and these are presented without editing or censoring. In this content analysis of a 1989 sample of stories, CNN emphasized arts as the number one topic, while the arts ranked 13th in a recent study of network world coverage. Some nations took greater advantage of the opportunity to contribute material, for example, Japan, West Germany and Vietnam. This study argues that CNN provides an alternative view of some types of events, with a somewhat more positive tone, as might perhaps be expected from news that is contributed.

What Is a Solar Power Satellite

This introductory chapter explains how the new Sunsats—sometimes called powersats or solarsats—will differ from comsats in terms of purpose, operations, market, regulation and design.

Think Global, Act Local: How ICTs are Changing the Landscape in Community Development

Being able to connect high-speed computing and other information technologies into broadband communication networks presents local communities with some of their best chances for renewal. Such technologies are now widely perceived to be not just a nice amenity among corporations and such non-profit organizations as universities but a social and economic necessity for communities struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing world. Today, citizens want and expect their local communities to be “wired†for broadband digital transactions, whether for family, business, education or leisure. Such networks have become a necessity for attracting and retaining the new “knowledge workforce†that will be key to transforming communities into digital societies where people will want to live and work. Since the Internet is a global phenomenon, some of the challenges of globalization for local communities and regions are introduced in this article and suggestions for turning those challenges into opportunities are offered. To attain maximum benefit from the new wired and wireless networks, local strategies must be developed for its implementation and applications must be chosen with some sensitivity to local needs. New Growth theory is used to show why communities must plan their development agenda, and case studies of the Intelligent Community Forum are included to show how strategically used ICTs are allowing local communities to be contributors in global markets.

How Is Sunsat Development Faring Internationally

This chapter provides a brief summary of the types of research and development projects being undertaken by China, India and Japan, the three counties most likely to launch demonstration solar power satellite projects in the foreseeable future. Instances of cross-nation collaboration aimed at keeping their options open are also noted, including those of Europe and the United States.

The Case for Open Access Networks

Efforts to keep the broadband Internet a free and open public utility are much in the news. In the context of the Network Society, the authors examine some of the publicly stated arguments and positions being taken in the articulation of “net neutrality†and “open source†practices and principles. The article explores the difficult technical challenges present in maintaining “open access†telecommunications networks using proprietary technologies. From a global perspective, industry groups have strong incentives to work together to adopt universal technical standards. With more open technical standards, open source applications and products can be accelerated and made more pervasive. Collaboration among businesses, national governments, and public sectors are seen as key to implementing policies that lead to public participation in economic and social development both locally and globally. The principal means by which all these approaches can be sustained is to keep the Internet accessible, free and open for all.

Top Ten Things to Know About Space Solar Power

This is the frequently asked questions (FAQ) chapter, the place you can go for answers to the top ten questions asked about space-based solar power—questions such as, “Why are solar power satellites needed, are they feasible and when will we see them?”

What Will Sunsats Look Like

This chapter suggests several strategic designs for future Sunsats, to include substantially larger photovoltaic arrays in space, solar concentrators, energy converters, wireless power transmitters and power beaming. Technical feasibility and some key technology challenges are addressed, including suitable orbits for Sunsat placement and managing the space environment.

How Will Sunsats Be Delivered to Space

This chapter outlines several approaches to delivering powersats into low, medium, geosynchronous, Sun-synchronous and other space orbits. A historical context is given and next-generation launch strategies are introduced. Increased spacecraft size, mass and deployment frequency of payloads and deployment are among the challenges discussed.

What Are the Legal Issues

This chapter explains the extent to which Sunsats can be deployed under existing treaties and regulatory provisions at various levels of government, and the extent to which new policies and procedures must be negotiated. Issues related to export controls, assignment of orbital positions and frequencies, ownership and control of space assets, liability for damage in space and environmental protection are also addressed.

What Are the Principal Sunsat Services and Markets

This chapter describes some of the challenges facing the planet as a result of burning fossil fuels, and the opportunities presented to the satellite industry in response to world demand for cleaner and more abundant energy. Among the Sunsat uses discussed are the production of baseload electrical power—not just an intermittent source of power—supporting agriculture, saltwater desalination, disaster relief, military operations and related applications.