0191-9067/83 $3.00 + .00 Copyright ® 1983 SUNSAT Energy Council INTRODUCTION This issue of Space Solar Power Review publishes some of the papers offered at a two-day symposium on “Solar Energy from Space” that was an integral part of the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Conference at the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Vienna, Austria, August 9-21, 1982. The caliber of the speakers and their international background reflects the importance attached to the SPS concept around the world. As such, it was important for this subject to be one of the central issues to be discussed at the NGO meeting. On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly express our deep appreciation to Dr. Peter Glaser, who, as chairman of the International Committee on Energy from Space, put together such an excellent program. Another person who played a major role in this effort was Mr. Fred Osborn, whose untimely death in August, 1982, has so saddened all of us who knew him. Through the SUNSAT Energy Council, Fred worked tirelessly for the solar power satellite concept. He will be greatly missed — not only on that account but also as a friend and a gentleman in the true meaning of the term. The symposium proved a great success. Due to the separation of facilities, not as many government delegates were able to attend as had been hoped. But they were all aware of the subject matter and were greatly impressed by the high level of speakers who addressed the issues. The greatest impact of the symposium, however, resulted from the “Resolution on Energy from Space” that was forwarded by the NGOs to the governmental conference on behalf of the international council and became an official part of the proceedings. The resolution was reviewed by committee and undoubtedly influenced the formulation of the paragraphs on energy from space appearing in the final report of the conference. It is heartening to know from this and the numerous expressions of interest and concern about the issue at Unispace ’82 that the question of energy from space is very much in the forefront of people's minds — particularly those from the nonindustrial nations who are so well aware of their need for large amounts of inexpensive energy to aid in their development. It may take some years longer, particularly with the present worldwide recession, but the time for solar power satellites is fast approaching. It is essential therefore that a dialogue on the issues is kept open through conferences such as our own. The committee on NGOs at Unispace ’82 is proud to have played a part in maintaining this discussion. Dr. David C. Webb Chairman NGOs at Unispace 82
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