Space,” a session on cost reduction in space operations, and several papers on the implications of the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (the so-called U.N. “Moon Treaty”) discussed SPS. The five sessions on communications satellites, the four on astrodynamics, the three sessions on propulsion, and several in the miscellaneous category indicated a growth and maturing of attitudes toward space and provided data which could be important to SPS. There seemed to be a larger participation by industry at this congress than at the two previous ones. The current events sessions, as listed at the end of Table 1, were well presented and provided illustrated updatings of important ongoing programs. It was apparent that other nations than the U.S. are rapidly developing sophisticated space capabilities. Dr. J. Dordain (France), Cochairman of the Program Committee, in his summation at the final plenary session reported very attentive audiences, increased confidence in space activities, the success of telecommunications satellites, the need to increase the use of meteorological and Earth observing satellites. He described SPS and large space structures as being still experimental, but of great interest. Solar Power Satellites, he said, were at a key stage of their development, with some critical problems to be solved, such as microwave effects in the ionosphere, materials processing in space, technical improvements, legal and medical problems, and environmental safety. Retiring President Roy Gibson, in handing the office to his successor. Dr. Lubos Perek of Czechoslovakia and the United Nations, announced that the next IAF Congress would be held September 6-13, 1981, in Rome, Italy, on the theme “Space — Mankind’s Fourth Environment.” Copies of most of the papers presented at the Congress are available through the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104. The seven sessions constituting the Proceedings of the International Academy of Astronautics will be published by the Academy, 250 Rue Saint- Jacques, 75005, Paris. The five sessions constituting the proceedings of the 23d International Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space will be published by the International Institute of Space Law, c/o John Memmolo, at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, address above. Copies of most of the papers dealing with solar power satellites are available at cost from SUNSAT Energy Council, Box 201, Cold Spring, New York 10516.
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