CONCERNS OF FASST ABOUT THE SPS Alan M. Ladwig The Forum for the Advancement of Students in Science & Technology, Inc. (FASST) 1500 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Suite 22 - Washington, D. C. 20005 The Forum participated in a public outreach experiment with two other organizations -- the Citizens' Energy Project and the L-5 Society. The selected outreach method consisted of sending 3,000 students and faculty members an "SPS Briefing Packet." The Packet included student-written summaries (in the FASST BRIEFING format) of 19 studies on the SPS reference system the societal assessment review, and the environmental, health and safety review. Also included in the Packet were a cover letter explaining the Public Review Program, a Response Form, and a postage-paid envelope for the Form. The Response Forms were then analyzed and categorized by the Forum. Questions raised by the participants were also categorized and passed on to the Department of Energy for answers. As of December 15, 1979, 227 Response Forms were received by the Forum for a 7.5% return rate. Although this is below the 500 projected responses, additional Forms are expected during the second semester of the school year. Those who sent back their Response Forms included students, faculty and professionals in 41 states, from 130 academic institutions. Overall, the participants ranged in age from 14 to 71 (average age - 26) and represented 37 academic disciplines. No clear majority of support or opposition to the SPS is evident from the returns. Many of the participants felt it was too early to give a definite opinion on SPS until more studies are completed. Of particular interest to the participants was the need for a thorough comparative assessment of the SPS to other energy technologies. A BRIEFING paper on the comparative assessment could have done a great deal to answer questions that were raised regarding how SPS research would affect terrestrial research, fusion research and conservation. The watch phrase seemed to be that we should not throw all of our funding into SPS research, but that it should be part of an overall research strategy. In discussing the SPS reference system, the issue of vulnerability and control was often raised. There was much concern as to how well the SPS could stand up to either planned attacks from an enemy, or natural disasters. Many participants were critical of the reference system because there was no discussion of the use of lunar materials for construction of the satellite. The problems associated with microwave transmission was the main environmental hazard mentioned in the Response Forms. Those participants who are most concerned about this area believe that the problems associated with microwave will be a major "show-stopper" to the entire project. Among the societal implications of the SPS, the issue of centralization/decentralization generated numerous comments and questions from the participants. The primary concern stated was that a SPS concept would have to rely on a system similar to "big oil" companies and "utility monopolies." While an earlier SPS study on "Prospective Organizational Structures" projected that the system would probably follow a national development model, most student participants endorsed an international structure for the SPS. While the participants did not overlook the degree of difficulty that would be involved to bring about an international agreement, they nonetheless feel it is vital if the SPS is to succeed.
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