study work and will retain the SPS concept as one of the potential long-term aims for the ESA technological research work. Figure 8 shows space technology themes and projects of the agency’s Technological Research Programme as focus for its activities. However, ESA cannot initiate any major studies and technological experiments specific to the SPS concept without a mandate or a request from those organisations in Europe which are responsible for the development of new energy sources. Within the European community, the European Commission has a mandate to promote and support research in order to reduce energy consumption, and to develop new energy sources. However, the Commission's R&D programme only represents a small part of the combined national effort in Europe and national energy policies in Europe differ widely. Further, the Commission has shown little interest in space energy systems like the SPS, but is intensively exploring terrestrial long-term energy systems such as fusion reactors. Thus, to maintain the necessary information flow in Europe on the findings of SPS related studies, ESA sees a need for contacts with the representatives of the European Commission and national governmental organisations who are responsible for the development of energy sources in the long term, and to continue to liaise with the appropriate international organisations (e.g., the United Nations Commission for the Peaceful Use of Outer Space) in their assessment of power satellites and other related space applications. REFERENCES 1. Commission of the European Communities, Crucial Choices for the Energy Transition, Report EUR 6610, 1980. 2. F. Bender <-/ ill.. Survey of Energy Resources 1980, Presented at the 11th World Energy Conference, Munich, 1980. 3. J. Ruth and W. Westphal, Study on European Aspects of Solar Power Satellites, Vol. 1, Final Report, ESA CRIP) 1266, 1979. 4. Hydronamic B.V.. Study on Infrastructure Considerations for Microwave SPS Offshore Rectennas in Western Europe, Final Report ESA CR(P) 1411, 1980. 5. K.K. Reinhartz, Potential Interest in Europe in an SPS Development, Space Solar Power Review 2, 169-177, 1981. 6. H. Stoewerct al., European Technology Applicable to Solar Power Satellite Systems, Proceedings of the 30th IAF Congress, 1979.
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