Constraints

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  1. Mirror Swarm will build a swarm in solar orbit able to power all human activity in the solar system until a better energy source is built.
  2. It will clearly be a prototype swarm and we expect it will be superseded after it goes online. The experience of building this version will provide successors with valuable advice.
  3. No more than 0.002% of the surface of the planet Mercury (1500km2) will be affected. This arbitrary limit allows other teams access to the same source of raw materials and leaves a reserve for self-repair of the initial swarm.
  4. No more than 0.0001% of solar output will be captured, again to leave ample room for other projects.
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_law#Commercial_Use says commercial mining is legal.
  6. Failsafe operation with adequate cross-checks against abuse must be built into every level of the implementation.
  7. The initial guess was a lander about the size of a fridge with a mass restriction, loaded without fuel, of 100kg. We've been thinking that the delivery could be a great deal smaller.
  8. Power will be sent without charge to any receiver deemed safe by the management. Mirror Swarm is concerned only with safe power harvesting and transfer. Independent energy consumers will design and build receivers anywhere in the system for their own advantage as markets dictate.