Jonathan wrote:

I like this idea, Relatively small mirrors would power
the lasers, not huge solar cell arrays. The lasers would
transmit their beams to other satellites that convert it to, and
beam it down, as microwaves. No need for mile-size
collectors in orbit.

0) Do you know ANYTHING about optics or orbital dynamics? No.
1) Beam divergence.
2) Socket to photon is typically 1% efficient.
3) Lasing media wear out.
4) Conversion inefficiencies.
5) Hardware costs are immense.
6) Alignment specs are unachievable.
7) idiot

Proceedings of the ASCE Earth&Space 2006 Conference
April 2006

Space Power Grid- Evolutionary Approach To Space Solar Power

"At a higher level, a direct solar-pumped laser could be used to
convert solar energy on the LEO satellites, and transmit the laser
beams to other satellites where the demand for power is greater
(e.g., satellites over the dark side of earth). Recently, development
of such lasers has reached a stage where efficiency of up to 38%
has been shown. These satellites would receive incoming
laser energy using their high-efficiency narrow-band photovoltaic
cells, convert it to microwave, and beam it to Earth.
[snip crap]

Here's a hint, git: when you see a whore on the side of the road
advertising her wares, you will be disappointed with the empirical
product.

--
Uncle Al
http://www.mazepath.com/uncleal/
(Toxic URL! Unsafe for children and most mammals)
http://www.mazepath.com/uncleal/qz4.htm