Significant progress over the past year includes: Initiated complete engine testing-2 engines being tested with a third engine now ready to begin test. Tests, thus far, have demonstrated extremely low emissions and noise. Successfully completed test on existing automotive turbine engine for durability under stringent cyclic conditions (equivalent of over 150,000 miles). Successfully completed testing of ceramic heat exchanger (a key component) under severe cylic conditions for over 200,000 miles (equivalent). NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL Is ERDA currently studying the feasibility of the disposal of nuclear wastes in space? If not, do you view this method of disposal as a viable alternate for the future? The ideal method of protecting man and his environment from the radioactive species in the high-level waste would be to remove the waste from the earth by transporting it into space. ERDA and NASA have been examining this concept of transporting for the past several years. NASA studies indicated that the transport of waste constituents into space is technically feasible, but additional testing and safety analyses are needed to confirm the concept. While the volume and weight of such waste are relatively small when handled on earth, the cost would be enormous if the waste were committed to extraterrestrial launches. A fundamental requirement for space disposal, therefore, is the successful development of a waste partitioning process. That process would divide the waste into short- and long-lived constituents. The former could be managed on earth for they would decay to innocous levels in hundreds of years. The latter must be managed for thousands of years. These latter constituents theoretically could be disposed of extra terrestrially, but it is not now possible to achieve that division of constituents in the waste. Other areas requiring further study include the following: the weight of shielding could create a significant economic penalty, there are unique requirements for the integrity of the waste canister to assure safety in the event of a launch abort or vehicle reentry; and the thermal output of the waste is a significant design factor. ERDA and NASA are continuing to study the disposal in space concept. ERDA is also studying other advanced waste management concepts which, though not technically feasible today, may offer a potential advantage for later use. But, of all the concepts suggested for the ultimate storage of high-level waste, emplacement in carefully selected sites within specific geologic formulations, at depths reachable by conventional mining methods is closest to readiness for use. PHOTOVOLTAIC Question. What applications do you envison for the photovoltaic process? Answer. Photovoltaic systems offer the potential of clean highly reliable power. They are capable of operating efficiently in a variety of applications ranging from small, low power devices such as remote instruments, to dispersed systems (residences, shopping centers, schools and industry) to large central power stations for intermediate and peak load applications. Present sales consist primarily of moderate efficiency, highly reliable silicon-based solar cell arrays, at a median cost of $15,000/per kilowatt. Question. Is your support for photovoltaics in any way related to applications to satellite solar power stations? Answer. The photovoltaic program is not directly related to the satellite power station effort. However, it is developing solar cells, which could be used in a satellite station. The ERDA photovoltaic effort owes much to the pioneering efforts in photovoltaic technology carried out under the NASA Space Program. Question. Is progress being made in the ability to manufacture these cells in the substantial quantities that might be needed for meaningful applications? Answer. A tremendous amount of progress has been made in the mass production of cells. Within the last year, prices have dropped from $21/peak watt to $15/ peak watt and production has doubled. The cost of photovoltaic systems will be further reduced by automation and possibly the use of thin film or novel devices in arrays. However, none of the cost reduction approaches is sufficiently developed for commercial use at this time. We do anticipate that reaching our 1986 goal of 50¢ per peak watt will make photovoltaic cells competitive enough to justify mass production by the private sector, with reductions in cost. WIND ENERGY Question. How viable does wind energy seem now as an alternative energy? Answer. Although some technical, economic and environmental issues need resolution, estimates for high velocity wind machines have suggested that wind energy will be technically viable, and cost-effective in the near future. The cost of wind systems must be reduced by 50% to make wind power competitive with other conventional sources. While much has been accomplished, the development of economical wind energy conversion systems capable of providing up to 30 years of reliable, relatively maintenance free service remains the primary challenge for the program. Question. Have you encountered serious obstacles? Answer. We have encountered some structural difficulties with our initial machines at the Plum Brook Test Facility near Sandusky Ohio. Blade problems, high vibration levels and general aerodynamic design have since been corrected in the new demonstrations at the Rocky Flats testing site. Another obstacle that we are working to overcome is that of cost. These systems are generally expensive because wind is such a diffuse energy source. At this time it is difficult to estimate wind energy costs precisely. Cost estimates derived from the Mod 1 experimental unit provides a benchmark which is likely to be improved with further technology. Studies indicate that the use of large rotar, higher power systems should reduce costs. Consequently, that is the direction in which the Federal Wind Energy Program is moving, starting with the 125 foot diameter, 200 KW Mod OA unit, followed by the 200 foot diameter 1.5 MW Mod 1 unit. The next experimental unit, called the Mod 2, will have a rotor diameter of approximately 300 feet in order to validate the study estimates of large rotor costs and provide information on the fabrication and operation of machines of that size. Question. How does the horizontal axis windmill that NASA is using compare with the vertical axis windmill? Answer. It is very difficult to compare these two approaches in capturing wind power because the vertical machine is at an earlier developmental stage. ERDA has been working closely with NASA in the development of larger horizontal machines and small vertical rotors. The ERDA wind program is testing large vertical machines at the Sandusky, Ohio experimental area. The small vertical rotor machines may be less expensive than large blade horizontal machines because the blade and structure cost would be much lower. IRRADIATION of Sludge Question. Last year ERDA representatives testified about the use of radiation to treat municipal sludge. The major unresolved problem was said to be heavy metal toxicity. Has that problem been resolved? Answer. Significant quantities of heavy metals do exist in many sludges and they do represent one of several major sludge management problems. The concern is the possibilities of the metals being absorbed in plant tissue when the sludges are applied to croplands. If excessive amounts of certain metals are absorbed, a toxicity effect may be observed on the plant itself or potentially in animals or humans if they consume the plants. The excessive metal contents are generally associated with industrial wastes so that one solution is to control the metal content at the source. Research is also continuing on the critical toxicity effects which the various metals may cause. The data is indicating that the effects may not be as serious as earlier estimates had predicted. SPACE POWER GENERATION SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE And transpORTATION SUBCOMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND SPACE Question. How much is ERDA spending on dynamic generator systems and are these Brayton Cycle Systems? Answer. In FY 1978 ERDA has requested $3.6M for the initiation of flight system development activities in order to support a dynamic flight test launch in late 1981/early 1982. Primary interest in such nuclear power systems in the 1-2 KW(e) power range has stemmed from the DoD/Air Force in such potential missions as the Global Positioning Navigation System (GPS), the Air Force Satellite Communication System (AFSATČOM-II) and the Deep Space Surveillance System (DSSS). In addition, it appears that the NASA Venus Orbiting Imaging Radar (VOIR) mission may require power in this range. During FY 1978 in Ance and frame generating prinesie can be applied to the andtonai ternarice is required in the e not donated by our ongoing program. The Offie of Energy Programs at NASA heat are as of the Vent Centers and others have conducted and are pursuing a number of offoma melated to a satellite power system both in terma od crncepa definition and supporting aide. Senator STEVENSON. Thank you. The bearings will resume March 9 with the Department of Defense. This hearing will be a closed session. I expect the fina, hearing w... be on March 17, instead of March 16, as was previously anno inced. At that time will hear from witnesses outside the Government. Whereupon, at 1 p.m., the hearing was adjourned, to be reconvened on Wednesday, March 9, 1977, in closed session.] The subcommittee met at 10:10 a.m. in room 235 of the Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Adlai Stevenson (chairman of the subcommittee) presiding. Senator STEVENSON. The meeting of the subcommittee will come to order. This morning we continue our hearings on the 1978 authorization for NASA. Our witness will be Mr. Robert N. Parker, Acting Director, Defense Research and Engineering, Department of Defense (DOD). Senator Schmitt. Senator SCHMITT. Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that the testimony this morning will deal with the aeronautical and space programs of the DOD, and matters classified as high as top secret will be discussed. Therefore I move that this hearing be closed in accordance with paragraph 7(b) of the Senate rule XXV as the testimony heard will discuss matters necessarily to be kept secret in the interests of national defense. Senator STEVENSON. Without objection, the motion is agreed to. The hearing this morning will be held behind closed doors. All those present must be properly cleared, the clearance required to attend the hearings is top secret. All in the room not with Mr. Parker's party or not members of the subcommittee staff properly cleared will withdraw from the foom at this time. Only members of the staff with top secret clearance may remain. Very well, please proceed, Mr. Parker.. STATEMENT OF ROBERT N. PARKER, ACTING DIRECTOR, DEFENSE RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE; ACCOMPANIED BY DR. R. A. GREENBERG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, SPACE AND ADVANCE SYSTEMS; AND HOWARD P. BARFIELD, STAFF SUPPORT, SPACE AND ADVANCED SYSTEMS Mr. PARKER. Mr. Chairman, Senator Schmitt: I appreciate the opportunity to represent DOD today in your authorization hearings for NASA. (1571) What I would like to do, with your permission, is submit for the record those documents that we have prepared. I have a full statement in classified form, and in an unclassified form, plus summary statements in both forms. Senator STEVENSON. Very well, The documents you are submitting for the record will be entered without objection. Mr. PARKER. What I would like to do is just talk for a few minutes on the basic thrust of our programs and our relations with NASA. In particular, I would like to emphasize our close relations with NASA in terms of our standing committee as well as specific activities on the Space Shuttle program and the national aeronautical facilities program. These programs are particularly important to us, and I think to the Nation, because of the importance of the Space Shuttle to getting our satellites into orbit, and in terms of the aeronautical facilities in allowing us to continue with the development of our high technology areas in the aeronautics business. First I would like to discuss our specific space programs in DOD, and just give you some indication of what they are. We are spending on the order of $2.8 billion in fiscal year 1978, or at least that is our request to the Congress at this time. This covers all of our space-related activities. One of the important systems that we are in the process of developing is called the global positioning system, or NAVSTAR, which consists of a constellation of satellites that will allow us to give precise locations in three dimensions anywhere in the world. We have a number of programs that are in the communications area: The air force satellite communications system, which becomes fully operational in [deleted] the defense satellite communications system II, which has its terminal development and procurement ongoing now, the defense satellite communications system III, which is now entering full-scale development, and which is the follow-on communications satellite for the DOD, and the fleet satellite communications system, which is going to be fully operational in 1977. In the early warning area, as I am sure you know, we have for a number of years had satellites with [deleted] sensors in orbit, to provide us warning of ICBM and SLBM attacks. Those are fully operational and are going through some upgrading. We do have research and development programs which carry the technology along, and which will provide improved capabilities as necesary for the future. We do also have, in the meteorological satellite area, the defense meteorological satellite program. We have launched the block 5D spacecraft. It is the same spacecraft basically as will be used for the civil TIROS-N system. This is possible because of the cooperation between the agencies that exists at this time. [Deleted.] Turning next to the Space Shuttle Senator SCHMITT. Excuse me. [Deleted.] Mr. PARKER. [Deleted.] Senator SCHMITT. [Deleted.] Mr. PARKER. [Deleted.] Senator SCHMITT. [Deleted.] |