Possible influences of SSPS on the space plasma environment

Since a space solar power system (SSPS) is constructed in the space plasma environment, there may be some interaction with this environment. We consider possible influences of SSPS on the space plasma environment. We particularly focus on the effect of intense microwave beam emission. Previous rocket experiments of microwave power transmission (MPT) in the space plasma environment revealed the enhancement of low-frequency electrostatic plasma waves in association with the microwave emission. Through corresponding computer simulations with the electromagnetic particle-in-cell method, it was revealed that the electrostatic wave generation is due to the nonlinear three-wave coupling process occurring in the ionospheric plasma. The simulations also predicted electron heating by the excited electrostatic waves. Intense microwave emission in the space plasma may also cause other nonlinear effects such as the ponderomotive force due to the non-uniform spatial distribution of the emitted microwave. This force may disturb the plasma density in the path of the microwave beam. We show some of the results of computer simulations in association with the nonlinear effects of intense microwave emission on the space plasma environment.