Just as the communications needs of the world are being answered through organisations such as INTELSAT, so too could the global community share in supplying its basic energy needs. On such a scale the concept of a solar power satellite system could become feasible and only by means of such a system could the world hope to satisfy its tremendous energy requirements. Leaving aside for a moment the overriding consideration of cost, the advantages of such a system for both developed and developing countries are considerable. In this context, the advantages perceived by the developed countries are of equal importance to those recognized by the developing nations for, without adequate incentive, the developed countries will have no rationale for their initial, and crucial, participation in such a project. A real commitment to broad foreign participation in SPS development should be expressed concretely in the structure and operating practices of the organization. The voting structure within INTELSAT, INMARSAT and the IEA provides many mechanisms for participation. Relations between potential foreign participants could be improved by creating an equitable arrangement for the sharing of SPS technology and manufacturing responsibilities. Voting arrangements, particularly within INMARSAT, provide examples of how the Third World could participate in decision making and the sharing of benefits. A possible first step toward involvement of other nations might be the establishment of a research and development effort under IEA auspices. No one can predict the events which will shape the world in the next few years. However, the continued demand of both developed and developing nations for increasing energy supplies appears a relative certainty. As a result, no potential energy source should be dismissed without serious consideration. Satellite solar power systems, today considered a dream, could one day become the world's major energy source. For the developing countries, in particular, the concept of a satellite solar power system offers a promise for the future, but it is a promise which can be realized only through rational assessment, sincere commitment and the cooperation of the more technically advanced and industrialized nations. With proper organisation and foresight, the nations of the world may one day collaborate in establishing a satellite solar power system to resolve their energy needs. INTELSAT and more recently INMARSAT have emerged to provide exciting examples of the feasibility of such international efforts. In looking toward long-term solutions for the future, a satellite solar power system could provide an unprecedented opportunity for international cooperation and the satisfaction therewith of the most pressing need ever to face the nations upon this everchanging planet. INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS The implications of SPS deployment are international in scope. An SPS would use outer space and radio-frequency spectrum resources that are within the international domain. At the same time, energy delivered by the SPS could be shared globally by developed and developing nations alike. International participation in its deployment could contribute to the improvement of international relations with regard to equitable energy distribution and consumption. An important international issue which should be noted is that controls are expected to be exercised by international organizations through enforcement of treaties governing operations in space and new agreements (e.g., on microwave radiation, geostationary orbit, and radio-frequency assignment) that may be required because of the unique aspects of the SPS.
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