Conclusion We are at the beginning of a new era, an era of solving the problems of Earth from space. Whether we like it or not, we are in space. Many of the Earth’s problems which have defied solution for centuries can now be solved with newer knowledge and more ingenious techniques developed in space. For many millennia, men took flight into space through mythology, poetry and fiction; the many possibilities of space are real, immediate and unexpected. Space development is more than an extension of technological civilization on Earth. It can help solve Earth’s problems, but more importantly, by going into space we find a new place in the universe. The limited Earth cannot confine man forever. Possibly one day man will be able to put most industrial activities into space in order that he can enjoy the bounties of Earth in their fullness. It is an insult to man’s mind and his spirit that two-thirds of humanity suffers from poverty, deprivation and wretchedness, whilst enormous resources and opportunities lie idle in space. Beyond the finiteness of the planet Earth lies the universe which can provide an infinity of possibilities for man to search, discover, use and enjoy for billions of years to come. Here scientists, engineers, planners and administrators have a new challenge. It is through the daring and determined efforts and struggles of all men that we shall bring the benefits of space to everyone on Earth. As the Soviet visionary Tsiolkovsky prophetically said: "Earth is the cradle of man, but man cannot stay in the cradle forever".
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