Space-Based Energy Need a Consortium and a Revision of the Moon Treaty DECLAN J. O'DONNELL* AND PHILIP R. HARRIS** Introduction If the 21st Century is to see a system of space solar power for use on Earth, then today's proponents must first form a consortium of all advocates and viewpoints. If unity produces strength, then advocates of space-based energy must get together to present a joint case for investment by both the private and public sectors. Whether the power beaming of the future is done from satellites around the Moon or on the lunar surface itself, combined efforts can further the cause. The Sunsat Energy Council is moving in that direction as it broadens the scope of its membership, and focuses its strategy for research and development. With increased concern about the global environment, a convincing case can now be made with the U. S. Departments of Energy and Defense, as well as NASA, to fund further demonstration studies on solar power, and to devote one or more of the national laboratories to investigations centered on space-based energy. However, unless the Moon Treaty is revised and a legal mechanism like a Lunar Power Authority is put in place, macroengineering projects on solar power aloft will be constrained. The 25th Anniversary of the first human landings on the Moon would seem an auspicious time to deal with such issues. With the dawn of the Space Age in the latter half of the 20th Century, humanity's ancient dreams of living and working beyond the gravity well of the home planet became possible. For the past several decades, supporters of this notion have sought the means to create a truly spacefaring civilization. However, lack of progress in this direction by the world's space agencies would seem to postpone translating this vision into reality for another century, given the current limitations of funding, technology, and leadership. The 100th United States Congress attempted to speed up the prospects by passing legislation attached to the budget authorization for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The bill S.2209, Section 217, was enacted, stating: The Congress declares that the extension of human life beyond Earth's atmosphere, leading ultimately to the establishment of space settlements, will fulfill the purposes of advancing science, exploration, development, and will enhance the general welfare. Provisions in this foresighted document included a report every two years to the President and Congress by NASA reviewing its activities toward this end, from research and development on the Space Station, to the Moon, and other outposts that are necessary to accomplish a manned mission to Mars. Although its ten points cover everything from extraterrestrial resource and energy production to examining alternative * United Societies in Space 6841 S. Yosemite, Englewood CO 80112 ** Harris International 2702 Costebelle Dr., LaJolla CA 92037
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