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Citation |
Hempsell M. Acta Astronaut. 2006; 59(7): 524-530. |
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Affiliation |
University of Bristol, Queens Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK (mark.hempsell@bristol.ac.uk) |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2006, Elsevier Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
Global catastrophes (events that cause the death of more than a quarter of world population) can credibly be caused through either natural events or human activity. It has been argued that space industrialisation generally offers a response to the risks involved by this class of event and should be the key focus of space infrastructure development. Space power has always been argued as the only energy generating option that avoids depletion of non-renewable resources or pollution induced problems--in particular global warming. However, there are many other potential roles for a solar power capability and the infrastructure associated with it can play in the prevention of global catastrophes and this paper examines this wider application. A very preliminary examination indicates the Solar Power Satellite (SPS) infrastructure can also support strategic defence, Near-Earth Object defence, climate modification, and major resource provision. Combined these may give the capability to deal with all the main threats to human civilisation. |