extraterrestrial resources from the Moon and the asteroids. The Epilogue provides an opportunity to assess the broader perspective of space development -how to start, and how to grow in skill, knowledge, resources, and energy to accomplish long-term goals discussed in this report. Studies of ecosystems as diverse as those of bacteria and whales suggest the maximization of information content and energy flow in all living systems (Miller, 1978; Odum, 1971). Examination of many species shows that diversity and adaptation to numerous habitats leads to survival. Humanity appears poised to accept the challenge of the frontier of space, and for the same fundamental reasons: knowledge, energy, resources, and room to grow; in short, for survival. The space program has in the past been pursued for reasons of exploration, scientific knowledge, national security, and pride. In the future the utilization of space will take precedence over pure exploration. New resources from space can help put NASA programs on a sounder footing in providing benefits and services of great economic and national importance. If NASA clearly realizes the tremendous opportunity and makes these goals known to the public, it will accomplish feats and gain popular support far greater than ever thought possible. The aim of the present discussion is to show how space activities undertaken by NASA in the immediate future and over the next several decades can help solve three major problems facing the United States today: • Energy independence • Material independence • Increased productivity The tools for solving these problems include: • Space technology • Teleoperators • Automation and robotics The American people have great pride in their technology and ability to confront challenges. Presently the United
OPERATIONAL
SPACE STOCKPI LE TRANSPORTATION STS RECOVERABLE/ SYSTEM (STS) EXTERNAL FLYBACK NEW STS
•
• TANKS • STS BOOSTER
• FLEET MANNED MANEUVERING FREE-FLYING
•
UNIT • TELEOPERATOR
LEO PERMANENT
REMOTE EARTH &BASE'_I, LEO BASE
SENSING ....
MANNED
• PROTOTYPES UNMANNED • ORBITAL • OTV POWER EXTENSION TRANSFER LUNAR-TO-LEO SPACE
• TRANSFER VEHICLE • LAB • PACKAGE FOR STS VEHICLE EXTENDED DURATION UNMANNED
LIMITED DURATION
• FLIGHTS AUTOMATED LUNAR • MAN TO LUNAR • MANUFACTURING • FACTORY ONBOARD INERTIAL ,i TELEOPERATORS CONSTANT LONG-TERM
UPPER
STAGE • •CONSUMABLESSTORAGE PILOT MANUFACTURING
(MEDS, MATERIALS,
SOLAR
• CONSTRUCTION...) • REFUELING POWER • SATELLITE LARGE INTEGRATED
• EXPERT SYSTEMS • LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM GEOSYNC INTEGRATED LIMITED DURATION
25 KW-POWER
• SYSTEM • SATELLITE • MAN TOGEOSYNC. STRUCTURE SATELLITE
• SERVICING DIRECT POWER • TRANSMISSION TITAN
SPACE PROBES •• MISSION NUCLEAR
• SYSTEMS --_-TIME 1980
Figure 7.2. -Space facilities and programs.
