NewTrans2.txt[9/15/2024 8:28:26 PM] factor generally recognized as fundamental for economic and social progress. 1.1 Basic Criteria One of the bases of international scientific and technical cooperation is to allow a country to participate in large projects that, otherwise, would exceed the limits of national capacities, even of the super-powers. This concept can apply (i) to the financial aspects, by sharing the costs of large programs; (ii) to the technical aspects, when projects require the contribution of talents dispersed in several countries; or (iii) to the problems of delays, when they are long-term programs, requiring continuous efforts over an extended period. Solar Energy Collecting Satellites (SPS) meet precisely these criteria: (i) their costs are estimated at $15 billion for the provision of a 5,000 MW satellite; but the total project would require funding of $50 to $100 billion to include research and development programs to solve outstanding technological problems (1); (ii) SPS systems would be carried out with the help of scientific and technical professionals available in the many countries already active in space programs; or in certain countries with large financial resources and which are interested in various scientific and technical programs. (iii) The time required for the realization of the SPS, estimated at 15 to 20 years, would require a continuous effort by the international community. 1.2 Importance for Various Countries Solar Energy Collecting Satellites (SPS) would be of great importance to various categories of countries: (i) Developing countries would see them as a means of meeting their energy needs, by reducing their oil imports; and also as a means of advancing solar technologies, a vital sector for these countries privileged for sunshine. For example, if the realization of the SPS allows the price of solar cells to fall from $10/watt, currently, to $2/watt (1982) to $0.5/watt (1986) or $0.3/watt to $0.1/watt (1990) as is currently projected (1), this price reduction would have a considerable impact on the economies of developing countries. (ii) Developed countries with market economies will also see it as an important new source of energy, but also a means of considerable progress in their space and solar technologies. (iii) Oil exporting countries (OPEC) could see it as a valid investment for their financial resources; they are also aware of the limits of their oil resources and are interested in possible alternative energy sources in 10 to 20 years. (iv) Countries with planned economies are also interested in new energy sources and should be included in international space cooperation projects, particularly for the use of geostationary orbit. 1.3 The Dual Character of SPS SPS indeed have a dual character for the international approach: (i) on the one hand, they are located vertically within a country and therefore have a national character, from the point of view of technological responsibility as well as the use of the energy produced; (ii) on the other hand, they are located in a geostationary orbit and therefore have an international character.
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