cerning the research and development of the SPS and the capital investment. It was generally felt that the poor countries did not have resources to contribute to these efforts, and there was a suspicion that if the industrialized countries invest their capital heavily in this project then they would not share its benefits with the less developed countries. Nonetheless, there was an agreement that the SPS, once developed, can be a major alternative to the energy catastrophe these countries face, and it should be supported vigorously by all the countries. It was also expressed that space research should examine the potential of biomedicine for controlling a large number of tropical diseases and developing better methods of agricultural productivity. There was general opposition to the growth of food in space at this stage of development. Space research can contribute to the control of various insects and parasites as well as acceleration of the process of production under controlled conditions on the earth. There was very little understanding of space research in new material developments. In general, the participants felt that such efforts might be expensive but, once large-scale space laboratories are set up and experiments are conducted, it might be possible to produce some materials and develop highly efficient methods of production unknown to us on the planet at this stage. Their main concern was to develop cheap materials which can expedite the process of development in these countries. There was a heated discussion concerning human settlement in space. The phrase “space colonization” was denounced by everyone; for many people it was rather a fantasy. Generally, it was felt that space settlement was premature at this stage, although one day men will settle in space, probably in the next century. It was generally expressed that at present efforts in space settlement should be directed towards the benefits that such knowledge can bring to bear on the problems on earth. There are a vast array of problems that LDC's are facing such as: food, water, shelter, health, education, environment, and energy. According to most of the participants, massive investment in highly expensive space science and technologies with distant benefits would postpone the solution of these problems right on earth. Most of them are seriously concerned about the plight of at least 2 billion people who are still in the dark ages of poverty, hunger, deprivation, disease and death, none of which can wait indefinitely. Hence, the far-out researches in space should be postponed until these problems are attended to. Among the various points, there was a consensus concerning the following: (1) immediate efforts should be taken to internationalize all the research and development as well as technological feasibilities concerning space. It was feared that the politics of the earth may affect these efforts, but all those who are seriously concerned about space should direct their energies in transnational efforts; (2) all the scientists and technologists concerned about human problems should challenge the utilization of space for military purposes; (3) the monopoly of some countries in the development of space should be controlled through the United Nations or other international agencies; (4) the research and development concerning space should be conducted, wherever possible, in the LDC's in order to reduce the cost. By and large, and on an average, the cost of such research and development will be one-fifth that in the industrialized countries. This will also give the developing countries a sense of participation in space efforts. In short, space science and technology can indeed contribute to the development of these countries in an important and significant manner provided they are directed towards their specific problems through global efforts.
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