216 (pp. 149 - 150) "Selbst Pessimisten, denen die Apokalypse unvermeidlich scheint, werden einraeumen, dass unsere Welt noch ein Jahrhundert vorhalten wird. Und in einem Jahrhundert kann viel geschehen - angesichts der schier unbegrenzten Moeglichkeiten, die sich ankuenden. Damit verglichen war der Uebergang vom 19. Jahrhundert zum 20. Jahrhundert ein Katzensprung." Commentary EJ gives the world another century, which is hopeful. And he admits that the possibilities are unlimited. Indeed thay are but one central question would have to be solved: the energy resources. Development depends on abundant access to energy. Not only to ensure development but to allow underdeveloped areas to be involved in what has been called "the long boom" until 2025. The answer is power from space. Above the clouds the sun shines 24 hours a day for 365 days per year. Ongoing space missions have partly been realised because of the necessity to develop and demonstrate what is commonly called the Space Solar Satellite (SPS). Such satellites would ensure a non-depletable and ecologically compatible source of energy. The SPS option is to convert solar energy in space, and beam the power to receivers on Earth. Present changes in global economy favor SPS: - Commercial markets for the space industry have grown and billions of dollars can be invested in new space ventures. - The private sector is replacing the state as the main investor in SPS technology. - Pilot projects in combination with the new telecommunication satellites are not far away in time. - 10 - 15 years is needed but requires a concerted effort of government space agencies, aerospace companies, global installations by A & E firms, power utilities, and cooperative internation efforts (mainly the United States and EU but also Russia and Japan. It is time to turn stars into efficient heat engines. As Ernst Juenger writes, we have a century to secure clean and abundant energy. Then there are "unlimited possibilities. Greetings Bertil Haggman
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