the same logic does not apply to space-based power stations if they are developed through international cooperation. Many concerned citizens and SPS experts, even in industrialized countries, strongly support equity and justice in sharing energy as well as other material resources by mankind. There is no doubt that we are entering an era of massive energy shortages. There is no relief in sight as the population of the world, particularly in Africa, Asia, and South America, continues to increase at an exasperated pace, and as the nonrenewable sources of energy continue to deplete, the situation in developing countries will become grave and violent with poverty, instability, and conflicts as the recurring features of their future reality. As the cost of alternative energy developments continue to rise, the cost of the SPS will become competitive and in the long run even economical. CONCLUSION In this age of science and technology, industrial development in the Third World countries is inevitable. The traditional sources of energy have either declined or are too limited to power industrial growth. Days of cheap and unlimited fossil fuel energy are also over. As the prices of oil rise with galloping speed, most of the developing countries will be forced to search for alternative sources of reasonable, environmentally sound, and reliable energy. Several developments need to be explored, such as bioenergy, terrestrial solar energy, wind energy, and animal energy. However, none of these sources can provide for the gigantic energy needs of such a vast population racing for modernization. Hence, an exploration of the SPS for Third World development is a must. So far many analyses point to favorable prospects. Even though costs seem abundantly high at this stage, international efforts to design an operational system leading to further developments can reduce the cost and offer a viable source of increasing energy supply. Many environmental and military questions remain unanswered, but systematic cooperative studies can give us scientific information of intrinsic value, which can be diffused extensively to the elite and general public. There is a great task ahead for bringing SPS information to the Third World. There is no conflict between small-scale technologies and SPS. Size and structure are irrelevant. Content and benefit are relevant. For too long masses of the Third World have waited to see the dawn of the industrial age which can bring a new life of sufficiency and hope. Such a day is not far off if potentials of new technologies such as SPS are fully explored for the benefit of all men and women everywhere.
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