been the development of knowledge allowing for the conversion of the solar energy situated in the space environment into electricity. To this must be added the development of processes to beam such energy safely to Earth. Finally, there is the need to develop practical means to convert the beam to useful power on Earth. Quite conceivably solar energy, especially at orbital levels, will be the most valuable and important of all of the space environment resources. This forecast is supported by a study made by the International Astronautical Federation for COPUOS (IAF). It concluded that space-based solar power plants constitute "perhaps the most imagination and potentially significant orospect for the utilization of space in the service of mankind." The IAF study identified practical advantages resulting from the use of orbiting soace objects in the gathering and transmission of solar energy. Particular emphasis was placed on the future need to have "solar power plants capable of base-loaded operation, without dependence on costly energy storage, or alternative energy sources for periods of low isolation." It was considered that base-loaded power in space, where there is virtually constant isolation, "is available at an average rate Peter E. Glaser, "Testimony, Solar Power from Satellites," Hearings before the Subcommittee on Aerospace Technology and National Needs of the Committee on Aeronatuical and Space Sciences, United States Senate, 94 th Cong., 2nd Sess., p. 3 (1976). These hearings contain numerous assessments of the solar energy problem by experts in the field. See also, Peter E. Glaser, "Solar Power Satel1ites--A Global Power Generation Option," Presentation to Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, February 15, 1978. Cited hereafter as "Solar Power Satellites." State of the Art and Assessment of Scientific and Technological Developments in the Exploration and Practical Uses of Outer Space within an International Framework, U.N. Doc. A/AC.105/173, p. 22, May 7, 1976. Ibid., p. 23.
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