SPS. As an organization which is very pro-space and pro-technological development, SPS represents one of many doors into the space frontier. The response to the outreach effort by respondents in all three groups was positive. The opportunity to provide feedback and input in the SPS concept development was appreciated and a pleasant surprise to many. However, there were some questions raised from respondents in all three groups about whether or not public input would actually be utilized. The U.S. aging population is increasing rapidly. Those "over 65" numbered 3.1 million in 1900 and by 1977 the total climbed to 23.5 million. It can be stated with reasonable certainty that this figure will rise to 31 million in the year 2000 and 43 million in the year 2020. These figures, corresponding to more than 10 percent of our population, are by no means insignificant. This growing constituency is expected to produce substantial social, economic and political influence over the period contemplated for development of alternative energy systems. Energy is used so universally in our daily lives—for lighting, residential comfort, water heating, operating appliances, transportation, etc. —that we seldom think of it for itself, but only for what it can do. It might appear, at first, that age does not play a role in how people demand energy. However, upon further examination, it becomes evident that there are reasons for differing energy demands between age groups. Because the aged generally live on fixed and limited incomes, it follows that their problems have a serious economic aspect. There are also special medical concerns, particularly those related to temperature and lighting, since the aged are particularly vulnerable to situations in which either of these is less than adequate. A strategy for public involvement is proposed. It is a building-block process which selects components that are compatible with the stage of SPS development, available funds, and the degree of public interest. Several program alternatives are provided, and several options for combining and building programs are offered. The strategy consists of six steps describing a plan of action which can be used repeatedly and periodically throughout the course of SPS development. The six steps are: (1) Establish goals and objectives, (2) Identify and select participating actors, (3) Identify and select SPS issues which should be addressed, (4) Select the program task which will facilitate attainment of the goals and objectives, (5) Select appropriate methods and techniques for each program task. (6) After implementation of methods and techniques, evaluate preceding steps in terms of fulfilling the goals and objectives. The selection of participating actors, SPS issues of importance, program tasks and methods and techniques are mutually influenced by the selection in each of the others. The selections in all four are influenced by the goals and objectives which have been established. Program evaluation analyzes the results of the implementation of methods and techniques with respect to the goals and objectives. Therefore, all steps in the outreach strategy are interactive.
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