tance to make large commitments until there is a clear understanding of the costs and benefits of specific technologies. However, there is an overriding need not to foreclose reasonable options until there is sufficient scientific evidence either for or against the specific technology to warrant its development or discontinuation. Although there may be disagreements about the specific technologies which should be developed, there should be no doubt that new knowledge, increased understanding, and enhanced scientific and technical capabilities will be essential to confront the challenges which must be met to assure that Third World economic development can proceed on a time scale which is meaningful for the societies involved. One of the primary problems in developing countries is that of unemployment. Therefore, each project must be considered in terms of its employment potential for the country: in India alone, for instance, approximately 35 million employable people are unemployed. Another concern is that developing countries will not be able to augment employment in the development and construction phases of a large project. However, labor in many of these countries is much cheaper than in developed countries, and, therefore, research and manufacturing projects can be undertaken economically within the framework of an international project such as the SPS. For example, during the implementation phase of the SPS there is a potential for the industrial production of photovoltaic and electrical components, and for receiving antenna construction in a specific country. Studies of the investment and employment potentials of the SPS and their effect on Third World countries should be conducted within the framework of an international organization which could be set up to manage and operate a global SPS system. It is axiomatic that when cost- competitive energy is available from renewable resources, economic development will be able to proceed with profound impact on employment because energy availability is a key determinant of economic growth in any country. CONCLUSION The global energy crisis mandates that all reasonable options to resolve it be kept open. One of these options, based on technologies already in general use, such as photovoltaics, microwaves and rocketry, is to harvest energy from outer space for delivery as base load power to meet urban, industrial, and other major energy needs. Environmental, societal, and political problems consonant with development of this renewable and fundamental source of energy indicate that research, demonstration, and the dissemination of information on solar power satellites should be conducted on an international basis. The benefits of energy from space are global, and the breadth of the concept provides ample opportunity for constructive participation by all nations in bringing its potential to reality. Therefore we recommend that the United Nations consider solar power satellites within the framework of initiatives undertaken to assure that the inexhaustible energy and material resources of outer space will contribute in increasing measure to benefit humanity. BIBLIOGRAPHY Books Clarke, Arthur C., The Promise of Space, New York, Harper & Row, 1968. Desai. B. G., Energy Policy for India, Vadodar, Bindoo Printing Press, 1978.
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