1.6 The Possibility of Unilateral SPS Activity As States contemplate, both at the present, near future, and more distant future, their respective needs and wants in the solar energy field, they may have to identify the forum or forums in which decisions are to be taken. A continuing assessment might take into account not only the references of SPS issues to international institutions. It is also possible to contemplate that one or more of the space resource States would wish to embark on an essentially unilateral SPS undertaking. While such a position would be unpopular internationally, it might--at least at the outset-produce a position that would be advantageous later in political bargaining. Or, rather than arriving at SPS policies through a universal international body, such as the UN or the ITU, it would be possible for like-minded and essentially equal space resource States to form agreements serving their own narrowly defined international interests. Within this last mentioned classification, it would be possible to consider regional bodies insofar as radio frequencies and orbital positions for geostationary space objects do possess important geographical characteristics. Against these short-term considerations are provisions contained in the "Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies." Thus, Article 1, paragraph 1, provides "The exploration and use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, shall 18 UST 2410, TIAS 6347. It will be referred to hereafter as "Principles Treaty." The agreement entered into force for the United States on October 10, 1967. See Appendix A.
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