SPS are unlikely to be pursued without stimulation by interests outside the space program. As part of this approach, increasingly advanced designs for an SPS could be studied in conceptual form. They need not be defined in detail until information from space projects at successive “terrace” levels can guide the evolution of the most appropriate design for the SPS. The designs that employ the most effective generic technologies can be developed, assessed, and analyzed, and the results shared with the participants in the SPS R&D program and with public and private investors. Essential to the success of the “terracing” approach is an SPS R&D and planning effort. The effort would include: • Assessment of economic, technical, regulatory, legal, and societal issues associated with the SPS. • Definition of technologies required for the SPS and their possible development as part of other space projects so as to increase the technology readiness for the SPS (e.g., space systems, including suitable launch vehicles, orbital construction bases, orbital transfer vehicles, and automated construction equipment). • Coordination in the use of technologies appropriate for space and energy projects. • Documentation of efforts to develop technologies for other space projects so that the information obtained, and experience gained, can be integrated into the SPS R&D efforts and planning. The assumption underlying the “terracing” approach is that advanced technologies will be developed in support of existing or planned national and international space projects. For example, some of the technologies that will be required for the SPS are being developed for near-term space applications, including telecommunications, remote sensing, materials processing, and space transportation. Specific technologies are being identified for future applications such as a space station involving on-orbit power generation, food service systems, life support equipment, robotics, and data architecture and management. This approach will be judged successful when technical uncertainties and risks in the SPS program are greatly reduced, the industrial infrastructure is established, and substantial information is available on the technical feasibility, economic viability, and social and environmental acceptability of the SPS designs to the decision makers. THE NEAR-TERM DECISIONS The public or private investors in other space projects do not have to commit themselves to the SPS. Each space project must be justified on its own merits. If the decision is made to abandon further consideration of the SPS, these space projects will not be adversely affected because their success is independent of the decision concerning the SPS. Public support will be sought for specific space projects as well as for the SPS. Economic, environmental, and societal issues of the SPS can be assessed at the R&D stage to provide more time to develop a consensus on these issues, while creating a factual information base. The “terracing” approach is particularly applicable to the SPS because many of the technologies required for the successful implementation of the SPS are also part of national and/or international space programs. The timetable for developing the
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