the Moon itself and to determine the potential source for materials that will be useful for operations both on the lunar surface and in Earth orbits. The earliest such use would be the application of lunar soils and rocks in the construction of habitats on the Moon and in Earth orbits and as a shield from cosmic and solar radiation. An important early product obtained from lunar resources would be oxygen for space propulsion. Lunar resources to be used for the construction of the SPS are receiving active consideration (11). A decision to develop a lunar base would also facilitate the future use of lunar materials for the SPS. Many of the technologies required for the lunar base would be derived from the Space Station program, including automation, life support, communications and structures. The technologies that will make it feasible to develop the SPS will most likely be developed in support of a wide range of space missions. An approach to its development can be derived that identifies the underlying generic technologies and their specific applications termed “terracing,” to reduce the challenges typically associated with a large-scale project, such as the SPS, and contribute to the buildup of the industrial infrastructure that can be the foundation for SPS development (2). CONCLUSIONS The expansion of the space industrial infrastructure is a strategic goal for many nations which are developing their technological capability to participate in commercial activities, because these endeavors are seen as the key to future economic growth, industrial expansion, national security and international influence. The development of space power systems will be essential to the evolution of the space industrial infrastructure required for commercial activities. Space power provides a new dimension for the growing efforts of mankind to move beyond the surface of the Earth and to exploit the limitless energy and materials resources of the solar system and the universe beyond its boundaries. Projections made a quarter of a century ago concerning the many ways in which space activities would affect life on Earth were significantly off the mark. The impact of space activities over the coming decades can only be projected in broad outline. Nevertheless, much is known about the potential of these activities and the benefits that could be derived from them. There is little doubt that the future exploitation of space resources will have the most profound effects. As Arthur C. Clark pointed out, “Our ability to understand what we can do in space is about equal to that of a fish imagining fire.” We have a long way to go before we will learn about the extent of human capabilities to function effectively in space and the destiny of the human species as it evolves beyond the surface of the Earth. REFERENCES 1. P.E. Glaser, Evolution of the Solar Power Satellite Concept: The Utilization of Energy from Space, Space Solar Power Review 4, 11-21, 1983. 2. P.E. Glaser, The Solar Power Satellite — A Goal for the Economic Development of Space, Space Solar Power Review 5, 83-90, 1985. 3. U.S. Department of Energy, Program Assessment Report Statement of Findings, DOE/ER-0035. NTIS, Springfield, VA 22161, November 1980. 4. Office of Technology Assessment, U.S. Congress, Solar Power Satellites, OTA-E-144, Washington, DC 20510, August 1981.
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