LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN SPACE INDUSTRIALIZATION, SATELLITE SOLAR POWER, AND SPACE HABITATS

VOLUME 2, NUMBER 2 A NEWSLETTER FROM THE L-5 SOCIETY FEBRUARY, 1977

Opportunities for Students!NASA HOPES TO FUNDSTUDENT STUDIES

Plans are underway at NASAHeadquarters to ask Congress to fundstudents to work on spaceindustrialization and settlements in fiscalyear 1978 (which begins next October).Those interested in this program shouldsend pre-proposals to Robert F. Freitag,Deputy Director, Advanced Programs,NASA, 600 Independence SW,W ashington, D.C. 20546, and to JohnBil l ingham, LT: 229-7, NASA AmesResearch Center, Moffet Field, CA94035.

Freitag is interested in students whowish to do in-depth, 2-10 year studies.He warns people not to get their hopestoo high, however, as it is ultimatelyCongress and the President that willdecide whether hundreds of studentsnext winter will be working on the L-5concept.

The following list has been suggestedas a source of ideas that may be worthfurther study. Robert Freitag adds thatsome topics not included in this list,especially those in the social sciences,may also be of interest to those in NASAwho, Congress and the President willing,will be funding researchers next year.

Those interested in sending inpreproposals should mail them in assoon as possible, as NASA is planning tofinish its budget request by mid-Marchand needs input from students.

Study Topics ListI. Selected most urgent researchrecommendations

Systems Studies (resulting in reports) :1) SSPS-Brayton Cycle: Optimization forLunar Materials2) SSPS-Photovoltaic: Optimization forLunar Materials3) Free Flyer (Shuttle Payload) forRotational Parameters Studies (Human-rated):

(Continued on page 15)

LDEF AND THE EDUCATIONALCOMMUNITYLeonard David, FASST

There’s going to be something newover the horizon -- about 300 nauticalmiles straight up, or 556 kilometers foryou metric afficionados. Pronounced inthe most suitable acronym that NASAcan drum up, LDEF (spoken “el-deaf”)stands for Long Duration ExposureFacility. It might not impress you atfirst, but it may provide an inexpensiveticket for student-teacher experi-mentation in outer space.

LDEF is being designedfor use in the NASA SpaceShuttle TransportationSystem as an easy and eco-nomical means for con-ducting experiments inspace. The LDEF is a re-usable, un-crewed, Earthgravity stabilized, freeflying spacecraft, looking,for all the world, like a

space-based automat. The structure is atwelve-sided, bolted metal frame cylinder,some 30 feet (9.14m) long by 14 feet(4.27m) in diameter, weighing in atabout 6,000 pounds when empty.

The key to its simplicity lies in its 76separate “trays” which are mounted to theframework of the LDEF. Theexperimenter has an option of having anexperiment exposed or covered to thespace environment while sitting in itstray. No word yet on white-walls, air-

P u b l i s h e d m o n t h l y b y L - 5 S o c i e t y , I n c . , a t 1 6 2 0 N . P a r k A v e . , T u c s o n , A Z 6 5 7 1 9 , S u b s c r i p t i o n p r i c e : L - 5 S o c i e t y m e m b e r s , $ 3 . 0 0 p e r y e a r , i n c l u d e di n d u e s ( $ 2 0 . 0 0 p e r y e a r , s t u d e n t s $ 1 0 . 0 0 p e r y e a r ) . S u b s c r i p t i o n p r i c e t o n o n - m e m b e r s a v a i l a b l e o n r e q u e s t . S i n g l e c o p i e s w h e n a v a i l a b l e $ 1 . 0 0 e a c h .S e n d F o r m 3 5 7 9 , A D D R E S S C H A N G E S A N D S U B S C R I P T I O N O R D E R S t o L - 5 S O C I E T Y , 1 6 2 0 N . P A R K A V E . , T U C S O N , A Z 8 5 7 1 9 . S e c o n d c l a s sp o s t a g e p a i d a t T u c s o n , A r i z o n a . © 1 9 7 7 L - 5 S o c i e t y . A l l R i g h t s R e s e r v e d .

conditioning or AM-FM radio!The trays themselves measure 50

inches (1.27m) by 38 inches (.97m).Depth of the tray is varied, either three,six, or twelve inches depending onrequirement. Experiments will beaccepted from full use of the tray towithin any multiple of 1/6th of the tray.It is required that no experiment canprotrude beyond the planes defined bythe 12-sided LDEF structure.

LDEF Mission Profile -- Presentplans call for the first LDEF to becarried onboard the Space Shuttle in 1979.Once in orbit, the Shuttle missionspecialists will remove the LDEF from thePayload bay by using the RemoteManipulator System (RMS). Using thismechanical arm, the LDEF will bealigned to the local Earth vertical, andall LDEF motions will be dampened. TheShuttle will then depart the scene,leaving the LDEF and its hitch-hikingexperiments alone in the vacuum of space.

Planned exposure time will be fromsix to nine months, with an altitude decayof about 20 nautical miles, after which asubsequent Shuttle flight will capture theLDEF for the trip back to Earth. Uponreturn, the LDEF trays will be shipped tothe various experimenters for analysis

Wide Range of PossibleExperiments -- Experiments for LDEFcan be developed for a passive or activemode while in space, although the firstLDEF will involve only passiveexperimentation. These experimentswould require data measurements takenbefore and after space exposure. Activeexperiments, for later LDEF flights,which require such systems as power, datastorage, must be provided by theexperimenter and be an integral part ofthe experiment assembly. Each LDEFexperimenter will be responsible forestablishing the criteria necessary toensure that the experiment is safe to flyand will not adversely affect the otherexperiments on board LDEF.

LDEF -- An Equal OpportunityProgram -- For those of you with eyesthat are now "space-glazed," please notethat LDEF is not exclusively a highschool or college program. Also, LDEF isnot a program to make a student orteacher “the first one on your block” tofly an experiment in space.

The LDEF is, however, designed toserve as a meaningful interface betweenNASA and the academic community.Experiments will be chosen on a selectivebasis, by a panel review and evaluation ofspecific proposals from those wishing toparticipate in the LDEF program.Experiments will come from numerousgroups, including education, governmentand industry.

Under sponsorship of NASA, theUniversities Space Research Association(USRA) has been contracted to be theprime focal point for involvement in the

LDEF concept. Both experienced andinexperienced space researchers can seekassistance from the USRA, includingpossible sources of funding for your spaceexper imentat ion.

The chances appear good that studentsand teachers, perhaps one of you readingthis article, may participate in the LDEFprogram. The range of possibleexperimentation is limitless, from effectsof zero-gravity on plants, to solar andcosmic radiation studies. It looks as ifLDEF may provide the simplest, mostinexpensive way of developing highschool and college participation in space.The missing ingredient is you, a creativeidea and a willingness to get involved!

To get involved, contact Bill Davis,LDEF Program office, Universities SpaceResearch Association, P.O. Box 3006,Boulder, CO 80303.

FASST is developing student andteacher awareness of the potential ofLDEF. At present, FASST is in theprocess of cataloging studentexperimenter interest, hoping to insurea smooth flow of student participation inthe LDEF and other Shuttle programs.For those wishing to be included in sucha catalog, notify the Washingtonheadquarters of FASST: 1785Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.,W ashington, DC 20036, Attn. ShuttleStudent Experiments.

PROFESSORS DEBATE THE“HONORABLE” FUTUREOF NUCLEAR POWER

(FASST News Service, Washington,D.C., 11/22/76) -- Two of the mostprominent names being called upon byuniversity groups interested in thediscussion of nuclear power are Dr. BarryCommoner and Dr. Norman Rasmussen.At a recent international meeting inW ashington, D.C., sponsored by theAtomic Industrial Forum and theAmerican Nuclear Society, these twoenergy gladiators treated a standing-room-only crowd of over 900 to a lively“debate” on what this country should bedoing in regards to nuclear energydevelopment.

Speaking first, Dr. Commoner, aprofessor of environmental sciences atW ashington University in St. Louis,presented his opposition to nuclearpower on economic grounds. He does notbelieve that nuclear power can survive thetension that is being generated betweenthe financial costs and the actualbenefits. Because of our “technicalimmaturity” in determining all economicfactors related to nuclear plants, hepointed out that things such as legal fees,security costs, and costs of wastedisposal are not always included in theprice of producing nuclear energy. Forthis reason he believes that “theeconomic costs of nuclear [energyproduction] are high, rising, and

- 2 -

uncer ta in . ”Dr. Commoner also argued that the

cost of nuclear power would increaseexponentially as the price of uraniumincreases with dwindling ore supplies.Much of his argument was based oncomparisons of nuclear costs to that ofcoal, which he claims would be cheaper,and not escalate as quickly as nuclear.(I n the question and answer session,member of the audience angrily disagreedwith Commoner’s graphs and statisticswhich gave this comparison, claimingthat the information was over a year oldand inaccurate.)

In closing, Commoner contended thatnuclear power has not been able tosustain itself as an ongoing energy sourceand as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.He interpreted President Ford’s recentcall for a “delay in reprocessing nuclearfuel until nonproliferation can beassured,” as a signal to the end of theentire nuclear program. He turned thearena over to his opponent with thecharge that “The only honorable thing todo now is figure out how to begin theshut-down of nuclear power in the U.S.”

Chairman of the nuclear departmentat the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology and author of the nuclearreactor safety report which bears hisname, Dr. Norman Rasmussen did notdirectly challenge Commoner on theeconomic arguments. He preferred toleave that approach to those with moreexpertise in economics. Instead, Dr.Rasmussen focused his remarks on theconsequences of not utilizing nuclearenergy.

Rasmussen stated that Commoner had“omitted to tell you where we’re going toget power without going nuclear.” Hementioned that there were several waysthat we could help to relieve some of ourenergy problems-the most obvious beingto practice conservation. “Any countrytha t does no t imp lemen t a s t rong conservation program is unethical,” theMIT professor stated. However, he alsonoted that even with a strongconservation program, there will still be aneed to increase our capacity to generateelectricity. In reviewing energyalternatives, Rasmussen believes that itwill take a combination of all availablesources to meet our energy needs. Hefound it ironic that Commoner, a strongenvironmentalist, would advocate theextraction of coal over furtherdevelopment of nuclear power.

Rather than criticizing the fact thatafter 30 years nuclear power is producingonly 10% of the U.S. electrical needs,Rasmussen challenged the opponents torecognize that this is equal to the totaloutput of hydroelectric powergeneration. He proposed that Commonercome up with another energy source thatcould develop more rapidly than nuclearpower has, while filing environmentalimpact statements on each plant site.

Excerpted from an article by John Holtin Skeptic No. 17, Jan/Feb 1977.

A great danger of space research isthat it will sooner or later be turned tomilitary purposes. It is military researchin disguise, a hawk in dove’s clothing. Idon’t claim that the Space Salesmen wantthis to happen, only that it is certain tohappen whether they want it or not. Oneof the reasons why science is tooimportant to be left to the scientists isthat they have been so poor at foreseeingwhat life-destroying uses the militarywould find for their clever inventions.When the laser was first described to thepublic, it took me only a few minutes torealize that science had at last made intoa dreadful reality the death ray of thecomic strips. But it was not until someyears later, when there began to bereports of intensive American and Russianmilitary research on lasers, that scientistsbegan to express any public concernabout this possibility.

Let us take another example. TheNew Scientist of September 30, 1976,describes the latest American cruisemissile: about 20 feet long and a littleover a foot and a half in diameter, it canbe launched from submerged submarines,surface ships, land vehicles or aircraft andcan travel almost 2,000 miles and delivera one-megaton warhead to its target withan error of less than 100 yards. Flyingvery low, it is almost undetectable byradar and there are now no effectivecountermeasures against it. When inproduction, each of these will cost onlyabout half a million dollars, one-thirtiethof the cost of a modern fighter. Since allnew weaponry finds its way quickly intothe international arms market, we canexpect that soon many of the nationswith sufficient nuclear materials to makebombs will have some of these littledevices to deliver them.

The connection between the cruisemissile and space research is this. The

- 3 -

missile is guided to its target by matchingradar signals from the ground over whichit flies with a very accurate contour mapof the terrain programmed into itbeforehand. These extraordinarilyaccurate maps were obtained fromsatellites. Without such maps, this missilecould not work. Moreover, theextremely accurate knowledge we have ofRussian territory has encouraged ourmilitary leaders to consider seriously andplan for a first-strike strategy, in whichwe would bomb all of Russia’s missilelaunching sites before they dropped anybombs on us. No doubt they have similarmaps and similar plans.

In spite of all we have learned aboutthe horrors of science misapplied, thescientists just don’t seem able to askthemselves, as they work away busily onthis or that magic toy, “What might somebad person do with this?” So we mustask the question for them. When we askthis question about space research, we

get some very disquieting answers. One ofthe things the Space Salesmen tell us isthat by using materials mined on theMoon or the asteroids, we can very easily(there being no gravity) build out in spacehuge solar generating stations. Thesewould trap large amounts of sunlight incollectors or reflectors, use it to generateelectricity, turn that electricity intomicrowave energy and beam that energydown to collectors on Earth, where itwould be turned back into electricity,thus (so they say) solving all our energy

problems. At first blush, it sounds quiteattractive. But suppose someone usedthe enormous output of these multi-megawatt electric generating stations topower a laser or group of lasers aimed atthe Earth’s surface. This would be anultimate weapon indeed. The nation thatowned it could deny access to space toany other nation; destroy any missileslaunched on the Earth’s surface; destroya nation’s nuclear or other power plants,or anything else they wanted to destroy;or even use it as a weapon of politicalassassination. (Who, without goingunderground, could escape such a Fingerof God?).

When nuclear power was firstdeveloped, the military played for a whilewith the idea of a nuclear-poweredairplane that could stay up for monthswithout the need to refuel. On Earth, inEarth’s atmosphere, it proved impractical;to protect the crew from nuclearradiation they needed so much shieldingthat the plane would have been too heavyto get off the ground. They gave up theidea for aircraft, though as we know, itworked fine for submarines. Why notthen, for space “submarines?” Supposewe did learn how to mine, refine andprocess metals on the Moon and in space,and to make in space massive humanhabitations. Suppose we then developeda nuclear or hydrogen propulsion systemfor some of these space subs. Suppose weput enormous nuclear- or hydrogen-powered electric generators in these shipsand used them to power the kind ofsuperlasers I have just talked about. Thenation or group that could put a few ofthese ships in space would have the meansto rule, or at least destroy, the world.

As far as we know, which may not bevery far, the military is not doing thissort of research now, for the verypractical reason that these possibilitiesare too remote and risky to be worthspending money on. As rich and wastefulas they are, the armed forces of theworld’s nations are not so rich that theycan afford to spend many tens or evenhundreds of billions of dollars on projectswhich might have only a very smallchance of being successful and whichwould in any case take a generation ortwo to complete. However, if spacetechnologies should become perfectedenough to be militarily useful, themilitary will then take them over. Onething we ought to have learned by now

is that anything that can be used formilitary purposes will be. If there ismilitary advantage or wealth to be hadin space, nations that are fighting onEarth for wealth and military advantagewill fight for them in space as well.

The rest of the article is much like theabove. The L-5 staff would appreciate itif our readers would comment on thisarticle in letters to the L-5 News, and toSkeptic, 812 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara,CA 93101.

THE CONSEQUENCES OFEXTRATERRESTRIALCOLONIZATIONA Paper Presented to theAmerican AnthropologicalAssociation, November 20, 1976Michael A. G. Michaud

“The most profound effect ofextraterrestrial colonization may be onhumanity's self image.”

Until now, the study of humanity hasbeen limited to this biosphere-a thinveneer of earth, air, and water on thesurface of our planet. During recent years,we have become conscious of the finitudeof that biosphere, and of the limitationsit might impose on the human future.But now we are on the edge of a newdimension of human existence, of newsettings for human behavior and socialinteraction; we are about to expand thehuman sphere beyond the Earth into thatlarger environment we call space.Already, humans have lived in smallartificial biospheres in space-Skylaband Salyut -- for as long as three months.Within the next ten years, we willsee permanent inhabited space stations inorbit around the Earth, with groups ofthree to twelve humans residing there formonths or longer.

Space stations will lead, perhapsunintentionally, to the colonization ofspace. As humans stay longer and longerin orbit, and as they make these artificialbiospheres safer, more comfortable, andmore self-sufficient, some workers andtheir families will become long-termresidents, no longer returning periodicallyto the Earth.

In that expansion to new biosphereslies a potential discontinuity in humanaffairs, a change of scale, new access toenergy, resources, and living space, andnew visions of possible human futures.In it also lies opportunities to explorenew ways of organizing human societies,to study humans in new environments,and to understand better what humansreally are.

In each stage of extraterrestrialcolonization, there will be a first,pioneering generation which is likely tobe tied closely to Earth by memory,culture, training, and, for geolunarcolonies, occasional travel. Thatgeneration will carry into space the values

of Earthbound societies. Yet it will bedifferent in motivation, for these humanswill have chosen to leave the familiarEarth for new opportunities and newchallenges. Originally, many may beassigned by governments or otherorganizations to staff stations, or work infactories which may be like companytowns, but many may go to seek higherincomes, adventure, a test of theirabilities, or new beginnings to their lives.Such motivations would shape the socialvalues -- and perhaps the social structures --of the first colonial generations.

Other colonists may want to escapethe limitations, frustrations, andinadequacies of Earthbound societies, andmay hope to create utopian societies inspace. But this may be too optimistic.The first extraterrestrial colonies will notbe paradises, but places of work; spacecolony proponent Gerard O’Neill saidthat they might be more like aconstruction camp on the Alaskanpipeline than laboratories for sociologicalexperiments.

Self-selection will be limited by theselection processes of the governmentsand other organizations which send upthe colonists. Since their investment inthe first wave of colonization will be verylarge, and since they may have purposesother than colonization in mind, thesegovernments and organizations will insistthat the first colonists be chosen in sucha way as to increase the prospects forsuccess and, in some cases, economicreturn. The colonists and theirperformance will be watched fromEarth; there will be a public demand foraccountability, and a low tolerance forwaste or failure. There will be pressureon the colonists to meet the expectationsof non-colonists. Those who finance thecolonies will expect loyalty and a certaindegree of discipline, and will expect thecolonists to demonstrate values esteemedby the originating society. There may belittle patience with unconventional valuesor behavior.

The influence of the sending societieson the colonists is likely to be greatestduring the first generation of each waveof colonization. The earliest colonizationventures at each stage of the humanexpansion will tend to be the mostuncertain, and the most in need ofsupport from and contact with the Earth.Earthside societies will control theselection of the first generation ofcolonists, thereby determining thecomposition, educational and culturalbackgrounds, values, and loyalties of theinitial colony populations. However,these Earthside influences will tend toattenuate as the colonies produce,acculturate, and train their children, asthe colonies achieve a greater degree ofeconomic and technological self-sufficiency, as the time/distance/energyfactor grows in importance withincreasingly remote colonization, and asthe colonies generate new colonies

themselves. Early residents in spacebiospheres may see them only as jobs,but this attitude will tend to change asstations become colonies by acquiringpermanent populations. Later residentsmay identify increasingly with thesuccess or failure of their colonies, andmay come to regard them as permanenthomes.

Extraterrestrial colonists will noteasily escape their evolution, the naturalforces that have shaped humans, or thesocial influences that affect us on Earth.Extraterrestrial colonization will be atest of human individual and socialadaptability, as well as of compensatorytechnology. The design of extraterrestrialhabitats will have to draw onanthropological knowledge to ease thattransition to new environments by givingartificial biospheres the qualities mostneeded for human psychological andsocial well-being, as well as physicalsurvival.

The colonies will be influenced bytheir natural environments, which arelikely to be hostile to life. Colonists onnatural bodies beyond the Earth will haveto protect themselves againstunbreathable or non-existentatmospheres, and against radiation, andmay spend most of their time withinclosed artificial biospheres. Spacecolonies will be surrounded by the nearvacuum, extreme cold, and powerfulradiations of space. Colonists will besensitive to the fragility of their human-made biospheres, and their dependenceon human technology and closedecological cycles. Colonists may feel thepsychological effects of confinement,with a sharp distinction between ahospitable inside and a dangerous outside.They also may feel a sense of physicalisolation from other humans and theirconcerns. They will recognize the need tobe as self-sufficient as possible. Thesenew environments, this isolation, thissense of vulnerability, may encourageclosely knit societies, with a sense ofidentity and shared purpose.

Individual colonists may need, morethan on Earth, the reassurance of roledefinition and purposeful work, and peerapproval. Early colonies may havespecific tasks to perform, such asmanufacturing, research, or exploration;those tasks may define roles and behavior.There may be no easy escape fromsocial pressures within a closed artificialbiosphere, especially in more remotecolonies. Therefore, we should becautious about creating utopianexpectations for the first generations ofextraterrestrial colonists.

Early colonies may put a high valueon reliability and technologicalcompetence. Selection may emphasizetechnical skill, stable personalities, self-discipline, and some degree of altruismover extreme individualism and self-satisfying behavior. The establishment ofexperimental forms of social organization

may have to wait for later generations,and may be limited to the mosthospitable and least vulnerable biospheres.

Extraterrestrial human colonies,composed of skilled persons in new andoften difficult environments, may proveto be among the most rapidly changingsocieties in history after the firstgenerations. The first generation in eachcolony may be firmly rooted inEarthbound societies and cultures; latergenerations, born in the colonies, mayincreasingly follow separate social andcultural evolutions, diverging from theEarthbound and from other colonies.

The response of the colonial societyto its environment will lead to growingsocial, behavioral, and value differencesbetween the colony and the originatingsociety. The demands of living in a closedartificial biosphere in space or on a harshnew planet will require different socialinteractions, and perhaps new beliefsystems, forms of political organizations,legal systems, and loyalties. Each colonywill develop its own approach to thesocialization of new generations, and itsown ways of defining and assigningsocial roles.

The first wave may require thepioneering and work-oriented values of afrontier society; later generations mayhave more latitude for diversity inattitudes and behavior, and a lesserdegree of discipline. As the sense ofshared risk and task orientation lessens,colonists may become more concernedwith personal, social, and politicalproblems, and divisions within thecolony may begin to grow. The growthand evolution of a colony may reduce theself-evaluated significance of the role ofthe average colonist at the same timethat the task of survival and self-sufficiency seems less urgent, encouraginglatent tendencies toward alienation anddivisiveness. The colonists could createthreats to their own survival by dividinga society which must work together forsurvival and economic viability, or byacts especially dangerous in a closedbiosphere, such as the use of weapons.

There may be growing divergencesbetween colonies on natural worlds andspace colonies. Those on natural worlds,especially a planet like Mars, may havevast frontiers before them, room forgrowth, and a sense of expansiveness, andperhaps a situation more conducive toindividualism and social mobility. Closedartificial biospheres, without anexplorable “outside,” may be morelikely to encourage tendencies towardhierarchical social structures, roleassignment, and cultural and ideologicalconformity. These differences may leadto different values and different forms ofsocial organization.

Extraterrestrial colonists eventuallywill begin to diverge from the Earth-bound in the physical sense due to thedemands of new environments,particularly as new generations are born

- 5 -

in space or on other worlds. At first, thiswill be a minor problem, as theinhabitants of geolunar colonies may beable to return to Earth easily andfrequently, and to intermarry with theEarthbound. However, travel andintermarriage may become more difficultand less frequent as the sphere ofcolonization grows and distanceslengthen. Low-gravity worlds such as theMoon, Mars, and the asteroids mayencourage such extensive adaptation thatcolonists will not be able to livecomfortably in Earth gravity; they maybecome permanent exiles from the Earth.

The more that later generations ofcolony populations are isolated from theEarth and from each other in newenvironments, the more we will seegradual genetic drifting in response toenvironmental pressures, including low orzero gravities, different exposures tonatural radiations beyond Earth’smagnetosphere, and perhaps differentnatural chemistries or alien biota onother worlds. For interstellar colonies inparticular, genetic pooling with Earth andother colonies may be rare or nonexistent,producing isolated gene pools. In somecases, there may be deliberate selectionof colonists for certain geneticcharacteristics, based on values orinterpretations of needs in newenvironments. Eventually, geneticdrifting may become so great that inter-breeding with Earthbound Homo sapienswill no longer be possible; new anddivergent species may emerge, betteradapted to their new environments.

Scientific arid technological advancesmight open up new options, allowing usto exploit environments that otherwisewould be uninhabitable. Surgical orchemical techniques might be used toprepare colonists for exotic atmospheresor alien biota. The development ofgenetic engineering may coincide withthe colonization of space, allowing morepurposeful pre-selection and pre-adaptation to improve the colonists’prospects for survival. Advanced coloniesmay be able to do their own geneticengineering after arrival, propagatingparticular genotypes in accord with needsand values. And there is the possibility ofcyborgs, linking humans with machines incybernetic organisms with enhancedtoughness and capabilities. Such changescould lead to situations in which thecolonists could not return to theiroriginating biospheres.

In short, the coincidence ofextraterrestrial colonization and advancesin biotechnology could make the humandesign of human beings both morefeasible and more desirable than it is now.Whatever options are pursued, thepossible environments andbiotechnological solutions are so variedthat different futures seem likely fordifferent parts of the expanded humanspecies. Such divergences will increase thesense of difference between colonists and

the Earthbound. Judging by the historyof racism on this planet, we mustexpect that physical differences amonghuman communities will be reinforced byprejudice and ideology.

Some colonies will respond tochallenges better than others. Those thatsucceed, especially in other star/planetsystems, may be destined, singly orcollectively, to become new civilizations.Those that fail may range along acontinuum from indefinite dependenceon the originating society to extinction.But all will be affected, in varyingdegrees by pressures different from thosethat have influenced the evolution ofhuman societies on Earth.

These factors lead to one generalconclusion about the future of the humanspecies if it colonizes our solar systemand others beyond it: there will begrowing divergences among the colonies,and between the colonies andEarthbound societies. That divergencewill find expression in cultural forms,modes of social interaction, preferencesfor shaping the future, and eventually inbiology. It also will find expression in agrowing desire for independence from theEarth, its cultures, its economic, political,and military systems.

From the beginning of our planningfor the expansion of the human sphere,we must recognize that extraterrestrialcolonists will come to believe that theyare different from Earth-bound humans.They will have different experiences,different dangers, different joys; theywill find it annoying, frustrating, andeventually inevitable that the Earthbounddo not understand. This sense ofseparation, and the deepening concern ofthe colonists with the success or failureof their own biospheres and societies, willlead to growing resistance to dependenceon, or interference from, originatingsocieties. Sooner or later, independencemovements will become a fact of life forthe expanded human species.

Originating societies may attempt toprevent the independence of theircolonies through a variety of means,ranging from a threat to withdrawfinancing to the use of force. Thesemethods may succeed within our ownsolar system, where communications andtravel times are relatively short. But theyprobably will fail at interstellar distances;star colonies will be decades away, andmust be self-sufficient from the beginning.

The prospect, then, is for a diversityof human societies spread throughout thissolar system and a growing number ofothers, enjoying different degrees ofindependence. The eventual result maybe a scattering of star-states separated bylight years of time/distance, eachremembering a common origin, but eachso engrossed in its special concerns thatthe origin slips farther into the mists oflegend with each generation. If interstellartravel remains a difficult, time-consuming,and costly project, the only links

between human civilizations may be thegreat radio antennas that listen for voicesfrom other stars.

The colonization of frontiers hasaffected the development and culture ofmany societies, including our own; SO itwill be with extraterrestrial colonization.There will be continuous feedback fromthe colonies to Earthbound societies;colonial experiences, perceptions, styles,values, ideas, and innovations willinfluence Earth cultures. The spaceeconomy will feed new inputs into theglobal economy, allowing it to growbeyond the limits that now concern us.The colonies may prove to be morevigorous, optimistic societies than thoseleft behind, and may even produceleadership figures for the Earth.Eventually, the growth of humanpopulation and technological capabilityoff the Earth may tilt the balance ofinfluence in favor of the colonies, andEarth may decline in relative importancewithin the larger complex of humancivilization. The planet might some daybe governed or reinvigorated by remotedescendants of the original colonists wholeft it to go into space. If warfare,biospheric disaster, or a terminallaboratory experiment on Earth shoulddestroy its remaining human population,recolonization from space wouldvindicate the original colonization effort.

The most profound effect ofextraterrestrial colonization may be onhumanity’s self-image. Colonizing thisnew frontier may stir hope among theEarth-bound, and create new perceptionsof humanity’s possible futures. Humansmay regain the self-confidence thatsometimes seems to be in decline inWestern societies, creating an essentialunderpinning of a new human civilization.Humans may be freed of an impendingsense of limitation on their future. Theymay see anew the virtues ofdiversification, of tolerance for differentsocieties and cultures, and of intelligentgrowth. In new colonial societies, humansmay regain a sense of community, ofmutual dependence, and of socialpurpose.

The colonization of space and otherworlds will so change human perceptionsand abilities that future generations willlook back on our time as the beginningof a new era, a new dimension of humanexistence. But humans will remain, inmany ways, humans, and not idealizedcreatures out of science fiction. They willsuffer from their l imitations, their frailty,their lack of wisdom, and from thetension between individual and society.Humans beyond the Earth can no moreescape the need to confront themselves,their needs, and their weaknesses thancan humans here.

But we can improve their prospects bydesigning these new biospheres to be ashospitable as possible. We can strive toinclude adaptive variety as a factor in theselection of colonizing populations, both

- 6 -

genotypically and culturally. We canrecognize divergence before it leads tounnecessary conflict, and ease thetransition to independence. We can, if wehave a long enough perspective onspecies survival, seek an early crossing oftwo thresholds in extraterrestrialcolonizat ion:

1. Establishing the first self-sufficient colonies off the Earth,creating alternative, survivablebiospheres, and alternative societies.

2. Human interstellar flight andcolonization, drastically reducing thedanger of terminal conflict within thehuman species, ensuring itsdiversification, and improving its long-term prospects for survival.

To summarize: sending humans topermanent habitations in space or onother worlds will change both thecolonists and those who send them. Thesechanges will grow in scale and importanceas colonization proceeds outward andnew generations are born off the Earth.The alien and often hostile environmentssurrounding extraterrestrial communities,and the human-designed artificialbiospheres that will be necessary forhuman survival, will test human adaptivepotential, creating new strains onindividuals and societies. However, theexperiences, perceptions, and capabilitiesof extraterrestrial societies also will openup new possibilities for individual andsocial evolution, and new scales ofhuman existence and achievement,making us larger in every sense than wewere before.

These changes in the human conditionare just beginning. Our judgments aboutthem must be speculative at this time.But it will not be long before socialscience is able to study humans in newenvironments, removed from the Earth.And social science skills will be neededin our designs for extraterrestrialbiospheres. Eventually, whole alternatesocieties in exotic environments willallow comparisons with our Earthboundconclusions about the nature ofhumanity. And, someday, we mayencounter an intelligent extraterrestrialspecies, requiring us to develop a scienceof intelligent beings in addition to ascience of humanity.

LUNAR UTILIZATIONABSTRACTS PUBLISHED

Lunar Utilization, abstracts of paperspresented at a special session of the 7thAnnual Lunar Science Conference, 16March 1976, is now available from theLunar Science Institute. This specialsession on the utilization of lunarmaterials and expertise for large scaleoperations in space was organized byDr. David R. Criswell (LSI). The 188-pagevolume, edited by Dr. Criswell, can beobtained by sending a check for $1.00U.S., $6.00 foreign, to cover mailing costs,to Ms. Carolyn Watkins at the LSI, 3303NASA Road No. 1, Houston, TX 77058.

SLIDE SHOWThe following images are in four sections: INTRODUCTION TO THE

L-5 CONCEPT (101-118), SPACE INDUSTRIALIZATION (201-228).SATELLITE SOLAR POWER STATIONS (301-312). and SPACEHABITATS (401-418). If you wish to order any of these images as slidesor sets of slides, see the order form at the end of the slide show.

INTRODUCTIONTO THE L-5 CONCEPT

101 The Moon, source of most of thematerials for space colonization.

104 NASA space shuttle entering theatmosphere.

102 Apollo 8 view of the Earth seenfrom the Moon (NASA photo).

103 The space shuttle takes off from theEarth, carried by the lift vehicle.

105 The geography of space, showingsome points significant for spacecolonies.

106 Part of a power satellite underconstruction in low Earth orbit(Boeing).

- 7 -

107 Power satellite of the photovoltaictype (Arthur D. Little).

110 Construction in space of a spacecolony (toroid design).

113 The spaceliner Robert H. Goddardbrings in a new group of immigrants(Courtesy Science Year).

116 Solar eclipse in a colony. Cylinderinterior is viewed along its axis.

108 Space base “construction shack” forspace industrialization.

111 A completed colony (toroid designby 1975 NASA/Ames SummerStudy).

109 Space farm-interior of the spacebase “construction shack.”

112 Interior of a colony (toroid designby 1975 NASA/Ames SummerStudy).

114 Interior design of a colony foundedby a group of expatriate SanFranciscans.

117 Net revenue graphed over time(number of years from start ofproject).

115 An advanced colony. Two cylindersin tandem, each with a four milediameter and twenty mile length.

118 Humanity moves from the Earth tospace in less than 100 years.

- 8 -

SPACE INDUSTRIALIZATION

201 Schematic diagrams of the space 202 Space shuttle leaving the Earth viashuttle, derivative, and lift vehicle. lift vehicle.

203 Paths through space from theEarth’s surface (to scale).

204 Design for carrying two reusableshuttles.

205 Design details of space shuttle(Flyback F-1).

206 One way lunar transport vehicledesign.

207 Design for Turbomachinery PowerConverter.

208 Heavy lift rocket takes Earth 209 Cape Canaveral in the future, withmaterials for construction to landing basin and power receivingsatellite solar power station (Boeing). antenna (Boeing).

210 Heavy lift rocket re-entering and 211 Heavy lift rocket landing after 212 Heavy lift rocket docked and readyheading for landing basin (Boeing). delivering Earth materials to for next trip to construction site

construction site (Boeing). (Boeing).

- 9 -

213 A possible location for space habitats 214 Phobos - asteroids are believed to-- 2:1 resonant orbit (14 days). look like this.

215 Summer study slide showing thatalmost all of the materials can comefrom the Moon.

216 Lunar mine to obtain materials forconstruction in space (FieldEnterprises).

217 Mechanical layout of chemicalprocessing plant.

218 Flow diagram for chemicalprocessing plant.

219 New version of the mass-driver(summer ‘76).

222 Space base used as habitat forconstruction crews.

220 Lunar base with mass-driver launchtrack and habitations for crew(Field Enterprises).

221 Early mass catcher design nowsuperseded because of much greateraccuracy by the TLA on the lunarsurface.

223 Distance between significant pointsin meters per second.

- 1 0 -

224 Model of the Stanford Torus design(NASA).

227 Details of the Stanford Torusdesign -- hub configuration.

228 Results from an early economics t u d y .

301 A view of the Middle East, presentfocus of energy discussions.

225 Details of the Stanford Torusdesign -- colony configuration.

226

SATELLITE SOLAR POWER STATIONS

302 The Powersat: An Electric Power Plant in Space (Boeing design).

304 Microwave power transmission test(summer of 1975).

305 Microwave power transmission test(summer of 1975).

Details of the Stanford Torusdesign -- cross-section.

303 Photovoltaic type of solar powersatellite with one km. diametertransmitter/antenna in center(Arthur D. Little design).

306 Power satellites in geosynchronousorbit as seen from Washington State(Boeing).

- 1 1 -

307 Photo-thermal type of solar powersatellite, white disk is thetransmitter/antenna (Boeing).

310 Rectenna array over farmland forreceiving microwave transmissionfrom SPS.

308 An early small test SPS built usingthe shuttle.

311 lnverters and standard power grid atthe edge of the rectenna array overfarmland.

SPACE HABITATS

309 Rectenna configuration forreceiving microwave transmissionfrom SPS.

312 Production schedulesolar power stations.

for satellite

401 First painting of a space habitat --four by twenty miles in size (coverof Physics Today, September 1974).

402 Diagram of Model 1 space habitatindicating living areas, valleys, andenergy source.

403 Baseline transportation diagram:Earth, Moon, colony at L-5.

404 “Bernal Sphere” design for an earlyspace habitat -- accommodating about10,000 people.

405 Interior of a “Bernal Sphere” spacecolony.

406 Detail of the interior of a spacecolony (Field Enterprises).

- 1 2 -

407 Design considerat ions for ro tat ingspace habitats.

408 Early design of space colony (May1975 ) , now ou tda ted .

409 Life support requirements, takenfrom the Stanford Torus study.

410 Population distributions, taken from 411 Cross-section of the agricultural area

the Stanford Torus study. of the Stanford Torus design. 412 Area requirements for plants, takenfrom 1975 NASA/Ames summerstudy.

A NOTE ABOUT THE SLIDES

We recommend the slides be used for lectures or other

presentations explaining the L-5 concept and the

possibilities of space industrialization and settlement.

We wish to add more slides to the catalog in the future.

W e would welcome receiving slides from members who

would like to have them made available to others through

the L-5 Society.

- 13 -

413 Area requirements for animals,taken from 1975 NASA/Amessummer study.

414 Life support areas, taken from 1975NASA/Ames summer study.

415 Cross-section of a model of theStanford Torus, showing habitat,and other areas.

416 The Stanford Torus: a wheel-shaped 417 Closeup of Stanford Torus exterior.habitat with spokes rotates within atire of cosmic ray shielding.

418 Agricultural area of the StanfordTorus, situated between two parks.

THE L-5 SOCIETY SLIDE SHOWOrder Form

INTRODUCTIONTO THE L-5 CONCEPT (18) 0101-118

SPACEINDUSTRlALlZATlON (28) 0201-228

SATELLITE SOLARPOWER STATIONS (12) 0301-312

SPACE HABITATS (18) 0401-418

__ALL 76 SLIDES

0101 0201 0301 04010102 0113 0202 0213 0224 0302 0402 04130103 0114 0203 0214 0225 0303 0403 04140104 0115 0204 0215 0226 0304 0404 04150105 0116 0205 0216 0227 0305 0405 04160106 0117 0206 0217 0228 0306 0406 04170107 0118 0207 0218 0307 0407 04180108 0208 0219 0308 04080109 0209 0220 0309 04090110 0210 0221 0310 04100111 0211 0222 0311 04110112 0212 0223 0312 0412

Send orders to:

L-5 Society1620 N. Park AvenueTucson, Arizona 85719

Phone: (602) 622-2633

Total number of slides@ 50¢ each

Postage and handling $2.00

TOTAL, enclosed

(NOTE: The handling charge will alsocover handling on other items orderedfrom the Society at the same time.)

This order from: Name

Address

City, State, Zip

- 1 4 -

STUDY TOPICS LIST (continued from page 1)

A) Effects of Partial G on Bone CalciumLoss, etc.B) Effects of Rotation in RangeAppropriate to Small Structures(2-4 RPM)

Experimental Studies (resulting in Conceptverification or new scientific knowledge);

1) Mass-Driver (unique opportunity Kolm/O’Neill/MIT only during 9/76-5/77)2) Model Lunar Soil (needed for allprocessing experiments)3) Ionospheric Effects of Microwaves(cooperation with ERDA LASL proposal12/76)

II. Material Resources

Lunar Soils Modeling (simulation) :(less difficult)Chemical EquivalenceParticle Size DistributionTrace ElementsVolatilesRadiation History

(last 2 affect chemical leaching)Needed for experiments on :

Chemical ProcessingPayload FormationAgricultural Methods and YieldsDirect Formation of Low-Density Blocks/

Structures

Develop Computer-Correlative Inventory forLunar Surface :

Topography Suitable for ParticularRequirements :

Launching- Downrange CorrectionSolar Energy UtilizationCommunications

Regolith DepthChemical Composition from

Apol lo“Prospector” (Lunar Polar Orbiter)Geological PredictionSamplers

Proximity of Permanently-Shadowed AreasVelocity Intervals for Soft-LandingProximity of Boundaries Between DifferingMineralogical Areas

Needed for:Chemical Processing StudiesStudy of Materials Local-Transport

methodsStudy of Materials Launching MethodsEvaluation of Excavation Techniques

Develop Computer-Correlative Inventory forAsteroids :

MinerologyMassOrbital Elements and Velocity Interval to

ReachLaunch WindowsEscape VelocityRotation Rate

Other Research :Extend Theoretical Studies on Lunar High

Latitude VolatilesIntegrate Lunar-Polar-Orbiter (“Prospector”)

Launch Schedule into Critical-PathAnalyses

Study Slope StabilizationStudy Deep Drilling TechniquesStudy Lunar Soil Sampler MissionsIntensify Search for Asteroids of Low

Velocity Interval (Apollo-Amor Class).Correlate with Spectral Analysis

Study Dedicated Schmidt Telescope(Ground) + (Space)

Intensify Study of Asteroidal FlybyMissions

Study Asteroidal Sampler Missions

III. Transport

Study Conventional Vehicles and Methods :Shuttle-Derived HLVShuttle/OTV Passenger Compartment

ModuleOTV (Orbiter Transfer Vehicle)LTV (Transfer Vehicle Orbit to/from

Lunar Surface)

Tanker or Tank Module for Early Use ofLunar Oxygen

Fuel Depots and WarehousingOrbital Refuelling TechniquesShuttle Uprating

Lunar Materials Launch/Guidance :Methods :

Mass-DriverGas-GunEncourage Search for Other Alternatives

Evaluation Criteria :StressWearReliabilityMaintainabilityRepairabilityFail-Safe DesignUprating CapabilityEfficiencyAccuracy

Related Studies :Orbital Mechanics Moon / SpaceMaterials Collection in High OrbitRaw Materials Preparation/PackagingCanisters for Special Payloads:

Liquid OxygenStored InformationElectronicsMedical SuppliesSilicon Wafers

High Specific-Impulse Engines :Methods :

Mass-DriverIon ThrusterSolar SaiIsMicropellet Electrostatic ThrustersOther

Evaluate :Thrust CapabilitiesSpecific Impulse CapabilitiesEfficiencyThrust/Mass RatioUtilization of Non-Terrestrial Reaction

Size Scaling

Environmental Effects Studies :Consider :

Lunar and Geosynchronous EnvironmentVan Allen BeltsIonization LayersOzone LayerTroposphereLand and Water

In Environmental Effects Studies, Evaluate vs.Traffic :SRB EffectsLiquid-Fuel Rocket EffectsMass-Driver Engine Reaction Mass Choices :

Liquid OxygenPowderPelletsSlugs

Ion-Thruster Reaction Mass Alternatives :MercuryCesiumNitrogenOther

Orbits, Impacts, Hazards of UncollectedLunar Material

Atmospheric Entry Effects (NitrogenDioxide Formation, etc.)

Other Transport Studies :Lunar Surface Material ConveyorsLunar Surface Transport Systems (with or

without crew) :Magnetic LevitationWheeledOther

IV. Processing(* indicates Shuttle)

Oxygen ProcessorsOxygen Liquefaction*

Dry Bulk Separation*Process Study Evaluation

Yields (for Carbothermic SiliconReduction + All Other Processes)

Reaction RatesEquipment InventoryThroughput/Equipment-Mass RatiosSuitability for Automation and/or Process

FlowUtilization of Zero-Gravity or Centrifugation*Utilization of Solar Energy*

Utilization of High VacuumNon-Solar Energy Needs

Solar Furnace Design*Search for New Process Techniques*Use of Volatiles (Sulfur, Nitrogen, Hydrogen,

Helium)Magnetic SeparationEddy-Current SeparationContainerless ProcessingConcept Studies of Chemical Engineering Unit

Operations

V. Industrial Operations

Handling MachineryRollingMillingBloomingCastingWeldingHot/Cold WorkingExtrusionCoating Techniques (Thin Film)Vapor Deposition (Structural Thicknesses)Al loyingWire-Spinning into CablesFoamed MetalsFoamed CeramicsStructural GlassOptical GlassInsulator ManufacturePowder TechnologyAnalogs to Cement (Sulfur-based, etc.)Composites not Requiring C, N, HSolar-Cell ManufactureIndustrial Mass SpectrometrySealantsCatalytic Effects of Dispersed Fine-Grain

Lunar SoilsSearch for Undiscovered Manufacturing

TechniquesModern SpacesuitsEnclosed vs. Vacuum EnvironmentsManufacturing Machinery Evaluation/Design

vs.Elements RequiredMass Required

High Complexity, Low Mass (from Earth)Low Complexity, High Mass (Yokes,

Frames, Bases)

Static/Dynamic LoadsVibrationFatigueZero Gravity or RotationMaterials/Assemblies TrafficQuality ControlPersonnel ShieldingRepair by Humans vs. Automated/Telemetered Repair

VI. StructuresCategories : RP; RN; NP; NN

(R = Rotating; P = Pressurized)Types

Plate StructuresTruss StructuresCable-Wound StructuresVapor-Deposited Structures

Special ComponentsWindow AreasBearingsAirlocks/SealsRadiatorsHeat PumpsBlowers

- 1 5 -

Heat PipesStructureLight Concentration

Human-Rated

Lunar BasesGround PropertiesCivil EngineeringEnergy UtilizationPersonnel Shielding

Space Habitats, Deep-Space Vessels,Orbital LaboratoriesGeometriesEnergy UtilizationAtmospheric Dynamics/WeatherPersonnel ShieldingSound PropogationNorse Control

Universal ConsiderationsStructure Design CalculabilityMass RequiredAtomic Elements CalculabilityOptimization for NonTerrestrial MaterialsOscillations and DampingNutation and PrecessionFatigue LifeFail-Safe DesignSafety in UseEvacuation/RescueInspectionMainta inabi l i tyRepairabilityProductivity to Build

VII. Human ParametersBiological Parameter Tolerance Distributions(Percentages Accepting) All as Functions of

AgeSexPregnancy ConditionTime of ExposureCycle of ExposurePrevious Personal History

Quantifiable Variables :Oxygen PressureNitrogen PressureTrace-Gas PressuresHumidi tyToxic SubstancesWaterFoodTemperatureGravity/AccelerationRotation RateDiurnal Cycles/Circadian RhythmsSunlight Spectrum/IntensityRadiation (Minimum lonizing, Heavily

lonizing, Gamma)Vibrat ionShockNoiseSound PropagationMagnetic FieldsMicrowaves

Variables Less Easily Quantified :Personal Space/PrivacyVariety/Availability of ClothingVariety/Availability of Foods and BeveragesIsolationSexual NeedsOpportunities for Recreation/Exercise/

Creat iv i tyCultural Needs (Books, Tapes, Radio/TV,

Cultural Events)Opportunities/Ease of Communication

Other Local PointsEarth

Sense of Personal Value/Independence vs.Exploi tat ion

OverworkPsychology of Personal RelationshipsSense of Security from Personal Threat

(Disaster-Security)Societal Desires (Community Size, etc.)Legal DesiresEconomic Desires

Opportunities for TravelOther Human Locations in SpaceEarth

Religion

All Affecting :Habitat Overall DesignInternal DesignLandscapingDecorative ArtPersonnel Transport DesignCommunications Systems DesignSocietal/Legal/Economic StructurePersonnel Selection CriteriaPersonnel TastingPersonnel Equipment (e.g., Voice

Amplif iers)

VII I. EcosystemsComponents : (Crops for Consumption;

Seed Crops)Food PlantsDecorative Plants/TreesAnimalsBirdsScavengersBacteria/VirusesMachineryHumans

1) As Ecological Components2) For Human Intervention to

Maintain Ecological Stability orForce Change

Main ParametersSoil Type/DepthWater BalanceNitrogen BalanceOxygen BalanceCO2 BalanceTrace Element BalanceSunlight Spectra and AnglesDiurnal/Circadian CyclesGravi tyRotationRadiationSeeding and Harvesting TechniquesAtmospheric Flow Patterns

All Affecting (1) Utilization of Non-TerrestrialMaterials; (2) Need for Materials from EarthMain Habitat DesignAgricultural Area DesignSpecial Agricultural Atmospheres and

Circulation SystemsWaste Recycling SystemsPlant/Animals/Bird/Scavenger/Bacteria

Selection CriteriaEcological Stability Studies (Mathematical

Modeling)Food Marketing/Distribution TechniquesHuman Tolerance Selection Criteria and

Skills SelectionScaling With Unit SizeIsolation/Monitoring/InspectionProduct iv i ty

Special Ecosystem Challenges :Lunar BasesOrbital StationsLocal-Space VesselsDeep-Space Vessels

IX. EnergyElectricity Generation/Transmission Methods:(Component Development; Systems Integration)

Solar CellsTurbogeneratorsOther?Microwave Generation and BeamingMicrowave RectificationConductor Transmission Lines

(On Lunar Surface, or Near/In SpaceHabitats, etc.)

Laser and Other Energy TransmissionMethods

Nuclear Energy Generation

Direct Thermal Uses :Solar Furnace DesignsControl of Spectrum by Windows and

Mirrors

Direct Utilization of Solar Spectrum :Photoionization as Part of Chemical

Processes

- 1 6 -

Special Energy Challenges :SSPSLunar Electric and Thermal Power SourcesHigh-Efficiency DC to Audio-Frequency

Power TransferSynthetic Fuels ProductionFor Terrestrial ApplicationsFor use in SpaceDeep-Space VesselsElectrically-Powered Space-ProbesSynthetic Fuels Production

For Terrestrial ApplicationsFor Use in Space

Deep-Space VesselsElectrically-Powered Space-Probes

Special Research Issues :Environmental Effects of Microwaves :

lonosphericAtmospheric/Weather (Absorption in

Rainstorms, etc.)Human TolerancesEffects on AircraftEffects on Birds

Testing of Transmission Systems :On Earth, Between Mountains (~100 km)Earth to/from SpaceUp/Down Differences in Microwave

Transmission TestsOptimization of SSPS Design for

for Utilization of Lunar-AvailableMaterials

X. ProductsQuantifiable :

Satellite Solar Power StationsSolar Power for Use in SpaceSpace Engines (High Thrust, High Specific

Impulse)Reaction Mass for Engines in Space

(Oxygen, Rock Dust, etc.)Components of Main Regenerative Loop :

Lunar Materials LaunchersSolar Power Systems for Lunar SurfaceChemical Processing EquipmentManufacturing EquipmentWorkforce Habitats

Large-Aperture Radio-Telescope ArraysSpecialized SETI AntennasLarge-Diameter Optical Telescope Arrays

(Synthetic Optics)Communications and Observation SatellitesSpace LaboratoriesUnmanned Space ProbesOrbital Laboratories for Location Around

Other PlanetsLanders for Other PlanetsSpace Vessels for Asteroidal and Other-

Planet Research

Quantifiable but Not Itemized Products :Removal of Earthbound Limits to GrowthEnvironmental Conservation and ProtectionProductivity (the Most Important

Quantifiable Product)

Less-Quantifiable Products and Added Values :1) Satisfaction of Human Needs for Hope

and New Frontiers.2) Satisfaction of National Needs for a

Sense of Civilization-Leadership and ofPlace in History

3) De-Escalation of Conflict Through PartialReplacement of International MilitaryRivalry by Joint Response to a CommonNonmilitary Extraterrestrial Challenge

Xl. Value Relationshipsldentify Ordering Parameters ($, $/kg,

Throughput/Installed Mass, Lunar/Terrestrial Materials Utilization, DoublingTimes, etc.)

Cross-Correlate Research Items with Prioritieson :Probable Location on Critical PathAdequate Starting-Information to Initiate

Research ImmediatelyNo Long-Lead-Time Prior Technology

Development RequiredFortunate Coincidences of Research

Personnel, Facilities, Time and Place(Serendipity Factor)

Likelihood of Large Return of Informationor Technological Risk-Reduction from

Modest Research InvestmentLikelihood of Synergism with Research

Applicable Near-Term on EarthCommonality to Any Plausible Long-Range

lndustrialization EffortChance of Later Cooperation with Other

Agencies or IndustryProbable Existence and Availability of

Competent Researchers for the ItemResearch Building on and Reinforcing the

Shuttle ProgramResearch Leading Naturally to Shuttle

Experiments and Experiments at theSpace-lndustrialization Complex

General Needs :Develop Economic Analysis Methods

Applicable to the Use of Non-TerrestrialMaterials Sources

Develop Economic/Research Status/CriticalPath Analyzing Techniques for SpaceManufacturing Program PermittingRapid Correction and Updating

Explore Historical Analogs (WestwardMovement, Mining, Oil Exploration,etc.) for Lessons on Successes/Failures

Reinforce and Build on SynergisticEducation-Avenues Originating Bothin and outside of Agency (Articles,Books, Radio and Television Interviews/Panel Discussions, Documentaries,Professional Society Meetings)

Explore Investment Scenarios andProbabilit ies:U.S. PrivateU.S. PublicCombinedMultinationalNon-U.S. (Drooped-Ball Effect)

Quantify Non-Monetary Products andValues (Environmental, etc.).

STUDENTS LEARN LESSONIN SPACE ECONOMICSFrom FASST Tracks

With the blessings of NASA beingbestowed upon a high school andcollege level student payload programfor the Space Shuttle, the first formsof the concept are taking shape fromthe NASA paperwork and rearing,along with this reality, the ugly headof the dollar mark.

In the November 8 issue of AviationWeek and Space Technology magazinethe student Shuttle program waslikened to an “orbital counterpart ofthe scheduled airline youth fare.”Payloads which are self contained andless than 200 Ibs. will be handled on a“space available basis,” and, accordingto NASA, will be flown for a “nominalamount”-between $3,000 to $10,000in 1975 dollars. Additional fees willbe negotiated if orbiter or crewsupport is needed.

FASST has learned that one highschool student payload program, witha price tag of over one-half milliondollars, has been turned down. Theidea was generated internally at NASA,but the “powers-that-be” determinedthat the program was too expensive.That proposal is now being scaleddown to an amount which should bemore palatable to NASA budgetwatchers. The question that shouldnow be raised is: How meaningfulcan a cheap student payload programbe?

It is obvious that students can’t beexpected to pay thousands of dollarsto fly an experiment in space, andfrom the NASA viewpoint money isalso tight. Most of the Shuttleprogram officers are very supportiveof student involvement in the SpaceShuttle, however, they quicklyfollow-up their show of enthusiasmwith, “but I’ve got no money here!”It appears that new sources of fundswill be needed to keep a student spaceexperiment program alive and well.

FLASH!O’NEILL LEAVES FORSAUDI ARABIA

Gerard K. O’Neill, space settlementproponent and author of The HighFrontier, has just left for Saudi Arabia togive a lecture at the invitation of Aramcoand the Saudi Arabian government.

His lecture, purely informational, willbe the second of three lectures: the firstwas by Clark Kerr, former president ofU.C. Berkeley, and the last will be by thepresident of the American Association forthe Advancement of Science.

O’Neill informed the L-5 News, “Thereis no plan for and no reason for anyexpectation that the Saudis would beinterested in putting up money towardthe High Frontier.” Intermediatetechnology is the present focus fordeveloping the country, according toO’Neil l .

SPACE HABITAT STUDIESThe University of Illinois at Urbana-

Champaign is offering a course thisspring entit led: Extraterrestrialcommunities: human considerations indesign. Psychological effects of variousmacrogeometry: large vista to avoidtheatre-stage artificiality and solipsismsyndrome; visibility of plants and animalswhich grow, and are independent frompredictability; existence of “other townsbeyond horizon” (in Torus). Twoprinciples of heterogenization:localization; and interweaving. Fourdifferent principles of communitydesign: homogenistic; individualinsulation (privacy, self-sufficiency,uncoordinated random heterogeneity;hemostatic heterogenism (static harmonyof diversity); morphogenetic heterogenism(interactions which generateheterogeneity, symbiotization, newelements, new patterns).

Sir Martin has taken his plea that radioastronomers should not beam outpowerful signals to distant stars andgalaxies to the InternationalAstronomical Union and the AmericanAstronomical Society. SETI scientistsargue that the emphasis of their programsis on listening, with no thought, at thistime, of transmitting. However, SirMartin points out that such has not beenthe case as powerful radio signals havealready been sent from the Arecibo RadioTelescope in Puerto Rico, and from aproject designed to map the planets withstrong radar pulses.

LUNA 24 SAMPLES INSPECTEDBY U. S. LUNAR SCIENTISTS

Three U.S. lunar scientists, Dr.Michael B. Duke, NASA/Johnson SpaceCenter; Dr. G. J. Wasserburg, CaliforniaInstitute of Technology; and Dr. CharlesH. Simonds, Lunar Science Institute,visited Moscow on December 13-15 toexamine lunar materials returned by theLuna 24 mission last August and toarrange for the transmission of samples

- 1 7 -

for study by U.S. investigators. Luna 24returned a 2 meter long, 8 millimeterdiameter core from southeastern MareCrisium, which has not been sampledpreviously by U.S. or Soviet missions.The site may contain material fromnearby highlands and material from theray crater Giordano Bruno some 1200 kmaway.

A Soviet-American space cooperationagreement provides for the exchange ofsamples from each of the lunar returns.The U.S. has provided 3 grams of samplefrom each of the six Apollo missions; theRussians have reciprocated with 3 gramsof Luna 16 and 2 grams of Luna 20samples, plus two small fragments ofLuna 20 rock provided separately.Considering the fact that the Russianreturn has been 100 and 50 grams,respectively, for Luna 16 and 20, theircooperation in this exchange has beenexceptional.

It is hoped that the samples will betransmitted to Houston to be availablefor distribution in the Spring of 1977.

SETI: Knocking at Heaven’s Door?The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in

Pasadena, California has announced thata search for extraterrestrial intelligencewill get underway in October of 1978.At that time, scientists will begin to scanthe heavens using a new signal processingtechnique that analyzes millions offrequency channels, simultaneously, insearch of extraterrestrial civilizations.

Designed and developed in cooperationwith the National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration’s Ames Research Center,which is located near San Francisco, theJPL Search for ExtraterrestrialIntelligence (SETI) program is describedas a “modest” but serious beginning. Thisinitial step, using existing Earth-basedradio telescopes, may lead, in time, to aSETI program involving construction oflarge antennas in space or, perhaps, onthe Moon-away from radio interferencefrom the planet Earth.

The announcement comes in the wakeof an appeal from Nobel Laureate SirMartin Ryle, a prominent astronomerfrom Great Britain, to refrain frommaking known the existence of intelligentlife on the planet Earth, for fear that wecould be invaded by hostile beings.

L-5 DIRECTOR WINSGODDARD AWARD

The National Space Club inWashington has announced the nameof the winner of its annual Robert H.Goddard Historical Essay ContestCompetition for 1976. He is James E.Oberg, 32, an aerospace engineer atNASA‘s Lyndon B. Johnson SpaceCenter in Houston, Texas.

The annual contest is devoted toencouraging research into historicalquestions in the development ofrocketry, astronautics, and spaceexploration. Entries are solicited byNovember 1 of each year, with thejudging to be completed by thefollowing January. A distinguishedpanel of space experts from NASA,the Smithsonian institute, the Libraryof Congress, and the universitycommunity evaluates all of the entrieswithout knowledge of the identity ofthe authors. Only when the winner isselected is a sealed envelope openedwhich contains the author’s name.

A certificate and a $500 cashaward are presented to the winner atthe annual Robert Goddard MemorialDinner in Washington which iscustomarily held each April.Numerous other awards andscholarships are presented to otherwinners in different competitions.

The subject of Oberg’s winninghistorical paper is “Korolev,Khrushchev, and the Sputnik.” It dealswith the behind-the-scenes politicalmaneuvering in Russia which led tothe Kremlin decision to proceed withthe launching of the first Sputnik in1957. Oberg drew on numerousSoviet, American, and West Europeansources, including Khrushchev’smemoirs, official Soviet biographies oftop Russian space engineer SergeyKorolev, interviews, letters, defectors’reports in English, Russian, andUkrainian, and other obscure but vitalleads.

Oberg, an Air Force Captaindetailed to NASA for the SpaceShuttle program, is a computersoftware analyst in the SpacecraftSoftware Division, where he preparesestimates for on-board softwaresupport for payloads. He has been atNASA since July 1975, havingpreviously served at Kirkland AFB inNew Mexico and as an instructor atthe Department of Defense ComputerInstitute in Washington. He has twograduate degrees in astrodynamics and

L-5 SOCIETY FINANCIAL INFORMATIONincome and expenditure figures for the first and second quarters of thecurrent fiscal year (beginning July 1, 1976) follow:

Income 1st Quarter 2nd QuarterMemberships $ 2 , 4 9 0 $ 4,356Sales 868 2,627Donations: O’Boyle 5,500 3,566

other 61 248

Income Totals 8,919 10,797

ExpendituresManagement Services 1,819 3,454Printing & Copying 1,705 3,673Conferences 752 1,013Telephone 765 511Postage & Shipping 697 765Publications & SIides 472 1,268Office Supplies & Expenses 51 3 9 5Miscellaneous 2 9 4 191

Expenditure Totals 6,556 11,270

The expanded nature of current Society activities, in particular theimproved quality of the newsletter, has been made possible by thegenerosity of William B. O’Boyle, of New York.

However, it is necessary for the Society to operate from a broad base,and Bill’s period of funding is now over. Current income frommemberships and sales is not quite adequate to maintain our present levelof operations. We can effect some short-term economies withoutnoticeable damage, but about $1,000 per month over our usual incomewill be necessary to do a proper job.

If every one of the nearly 1000 L-5 Society members sent us a dollar,we would have another month to allow our income to catch up toexpenditures through growth in Society size. You get what you pay for,monumentum aere perennius (translation sent to those who donate $1or more during the next month).

in computing sciences. He and his wifelive in Alta Loma in rural GalvestonCounty.

Besides his Air Force and NASAduties, Oberg is a free-lance scienceand space writer/lecturer. He isAssociate Editor of Space Worldmagazine and is a Contributing Editorto Astronomy magazine. His articlesfrequently appear in other journalssuch as Science Digest, Spaceflight,Technology Review, Sky andTelescope, Aerospace Historian,Flight international, Analog and NewEngineer. He often lectures on spacescience and space colonization and isa member of the Board of Directorsof the L-5 Society.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE FROMTHE L-5 SOCIETY? Xerographic reproductions of articles

from other publications (please ask forlist).

The Hunger of Eve: A Woman’sOdyssey Toward the Future, BarbaraMarx Hubbard, Stackpole Books,1976. $8.00.

The High Frontier: Human Colonies inSpace, Gerard K. O’Neill, Wm. Morrowand Co., 1977. $8.00.

- 1 8 -

L-5 News, back issues $1 each (Volumeincluded 16 issues).

Bernal Sphere postcards (interior;exterior). 15¢ each; 50 of one kind,$3.

Bernal Sphere 14” x 17” posters(interior, exterior). $3.50 for one,$3 each for two or more, $2.10 eachfor 10 or more, $1.75 each for 50 ormore.

NOW AVAILABLE!

The Fourth Kingdom, Wil l iam J.Sauber, Aquari Corp., 1975, $6.00.

Note: Postage and handling per order,add $2.

IN THE L-5 OFFICEThanks to the staff and several

volunteers (a tip of the hat to them), wesucceeded in sending out a doublemailing of the January issue and theIndex, as well as sending out 500 answersin response to requests for information.

The posters (in full color) hopefullywill be done and ready for shipment onthe first of March.

* L-5: A POINT TO REMEMBER *

ERDA SEEKS NOMINATIONSFOR NEW ENVIRONMENTALADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Energy Research AndDevelopment Administration (ERDA)has set up an Environmental AdvisoryCommittee to increase public involvementin defining the goals and setting thepolicies of ERDA’s environment, healthand safety programs.

The Committee will advise the ERDAAdministrator through the AssistantAdministrator for Environment andSafety, Dr. James L. Liverman.

The new panel will provide advice onsocial, economic and institutionalimpacts of ERDA’s energy programs; thepreparation of environmental impactassessments and statements; biomedicaland environmental research and planning;and occupational health and safetymatters within ERDA facilities.

In addition, the Committee isexpected to provide advice and counselto ERDA’s technical staff on natural andsocial science aspects of new andcontinuing programs.

“ERDA was established as the firstagency with a clear mandate to giveenvironmental concerns equalconsideration in the development ofenergy technology,” Dr. Liverman said.

“I believe the Environmental AdvisoryCommittee will help us achieve a balancedapproach to solving the problems whicharise from the interactions of scientific,engineering, economic, social andinstitutional factors related to energytechnology.”

The Committee’s 21 members, whowill meet at least four times a year, willbe drawn from the fields of science,

medicine, engineering, industry, state andlocal government, and environmentalprotection, as well as from the generalpublic.

Committee members will be selectedby the ERDA Administrator fromrecommendations submitted by theAssistant Administrator for Environmentand Safety.

Those wishing to submit names forconsideration or desiring additionalinformation should contact Dr. Joel B.Stronberg, Office of the AssistantAdministrator for Environment andSafety, ERDA, Washington, D.C. 20545.

ERDA STUDIESUNCONVENTIONAL WINDENERGY CONCEPTS IN 1977

Three advanced and innovative windenergy concepts are being explored in1977 by the Energy Research andDevelopment Administration.

Under research contracts issued late in1976, the Grumman AerospaceCorporation of Bethpage, New York isstudying and developing a vortex towerwind energy system; the University ofDayton Research Institute is analyzing aMadaras rotor power plant concept; andthe South Dakota School of Mines andTechnology, Rapid City, South Dakota isexploring the feasibility of extractingenergy from humid air.

These projects are part of an overallERDA program to develop wind energy,and they represent an examination ofinnovative concepts quite different fromthe conventional windmill. The ERDA-funded studies involve investigations ofthe feasibility of these concepts andexaminations of their potential forsignificant improvement in energy costover conventional windmills. Thecontracts resulted from the evaluation ofover 50 unconventional ideas receivedin response to a request for proposalsannounced early in 1976.

I had a class in Community Serviceslast semester [Fall 1976], and theybecame deeply involved in working onthe alternative social structures for L-5.We were all very surprised at whatappears to be a dearth of such planningin the materials we have received fromNASA. The technology is carefullyworked out, with tremendous amountsof research and reports. However, thereis very little we are aware of that hasbeen done in actually working out thepossible social structures, and that isas important as the technologicalelement. This is an unprecedentedopportunity for planning, and there isenough research now that definiteorganizational systems can be createdthat will facilitate life in the spacecommunity! Not to do so would be sucha vast mistake that one can hardlyconceive of it. What this first colonydoes, the patterns it sets up, will havea major impact on the followingcommunities-if and how they organize.Of course the research possibilities insuch a closed environment are asociologist’s dream!

The students are going to continueworking on the project, even though thesemester and the class is over. Thus,they, and I, have an interest in all thematerials we can find on the plans anddevelopment for the Space Colony. Thewhole area of space colonization wastotally unknown to all of them, and Ihave been amazed at the interest theyhave shown, and the impact their workhas had on themselves and their friendsand families!

B. J. Bluth, Ph.D.California State UniversityNorthridge, California

L-5 SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP FORM (please type or print)N L 7 0 2

N A M E :

L-5 SOCIETY1620 N. PARK AVE.TUCSON, AZ 85719

ADDRESS:

CITY/STATE/Z IP :

AFFIL IATION/T ITLE OR POSIT ION:

(OPTIONAL)

I am am not interested in being active locally. Phone (optional)__ Please enroll me as a member of L-5 Society ($20 per year regular, $10 per year for students). A check or money order is

enclosed. (Membership includes L-5 News, $3 to members; the balance -- $17 or $7 -- is a tax-deductible donation.)

__ Please enter the above as a nonmember L-5 News subscriber ($20 per year). A check or purchase order is enclosed.__ Enclosed find a donation of $ . (Donations to L-5 Society are tax-deductible.)

- 1 9 -

I opened up the paper this evening[Kansas City Star) and looked throughthe editorial page as I usually do whenI stumbled across the followingstatement: “. . . President Carter’sbudget experts are looking at theproposed fiscal 1978 budget for theNational Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration as a likely place wherecuts can be made and the moneydiverted to social programs.”

ARGH!! I don’t know if we canmount a letter-writing campaign intime to stop this madness, but I thinkwe’d better try. We’re not going toget space colonies or anything else upthere unless we can demonstrate thatthe people of this country (or at leasta sizeable fraction thereof) are in favorof the space program, and the biggerthe better! The Space Shuttle isabsolutely vital to everything webelieve in.

I don’t know how you (the L-5Society) feel about this, but if it wereup to me I’d give it top priority andtell as many of the members aspossible to write directly to thePresident, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.,W ashington, D.C., and let him knowhow we feel about this matter.

Is it possible to send a letter orpostcard to all the members of theL-5 Society and inform them of thefact that the NASA budget might getcut? You don’t have to tell them towrite and protest this abominableidea, but you might suggest thatMr. Carter might react positively to acouple of hundred letters on thesubject. We might also want to get intouch with the Star Trek people andanyone else who shares our viewsabout the importance of space to ourfuture, and get a massive letter-writingcampaign started.

Robert G. LovellShawnee, Kansas

[The Society can’t get involved inlobbying, but we will print lettersfrom members on relevant subjects.]

If the Viking results indicate thatPhobos and Deimos are reallycarbonaceous chondrite material, thenwe have a deep space source of volatilessuch as carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen,without having to drag it up from Earthor snag a passing comet. I’d like to see astudy of the transport of such materialsfrom Mars orbit to L-5, or even better,the emplacement of Deimos or a largehunk thereof at L-4.

Mining the asteroids sounds neat, andraiding Saturn for volatiles also isexciting, but the delta-V requirementsalone become prohibitive, not tomention the trip times. Of course, whosays we have to build the colonies nearEarth anyhow, except perhaps becausewe may hug close to the Sun to draw itspower. Out past Mars we may set upnew manufacturing sites but might needalternate sources of energy.

The Earth-crossing Apollo asteroidsare more bits and pieces of availableresources, but since their periods arevery close to that of the Earth, theresulting synodic period may be measuredin decades. While the theoretical delta-Vto get to 1976-AA and back is the lowestfor any other object in the Solar System,the launch window does not recur untilthe early 1990s.

Recall that we once thought Phobosmight have been a spacecraft buteverybody said that ten-mile-wide spacevehicles were a thousand years beyondhuman technology. Now, of course, wewill build satellites of that size in a fewdecades. We will build Phobos-sizedartificial worlds a thousand years soonerthan experts had estimated twenty yearsago. Of course, we have an advantageover the Martians: we will do it withnatural lunar materials, which more thanmakes up for the Martian advantage oflower primary gravity. Well, forget thefantasy; Phobos is a natural object. If weever expect to find ten-mile-widespacecraft in the Solar System, we willhave to build them ourselves.

James E. ObergDickinson, Texas’

IN THIS ISSUE:Opportunities for Students 1

Space Research and the Military 3

The Consequences of Extraterrestrial Colonization 5

The L-5 Society Slide Show 7

Flash! O’Neill Leaves for Saudi Arabia 17

Inside the L-5 Society 18

News from ERDA 19

Letters 19

I would like to thank Mr. AldoPontecorvo for his letter in the Novemberissue, in which he points out somethingof which I was unaware. This is that it isfood technologists, and not chemists,who would have the responsibility fordevelopment of food products fromsources such as soybeans, TVP (texturedvegetable protein). Mr. Pontecorvo mayrest assured that now that I am aware ofthis, I would certainly advocate thatpeople from this discipline, foodtechnology, should consider thecontributions they might make to acolonization program, in which no doubtthey would be entirely welcome.

As for the L-5 News in general, as onewho has received every issue since thefirst, I too am impressed by the recentimprovements in its quality. To me, whatis most noteworthy is your use of majorarticles in such areas as NASA’s space-station program, von Puttkamer’sadvanced planning activities, andCriswell’s analysis of space-resourceeconomics. These articles have beenentirely on a par with articles appearingin such journals as Aviation Week andAstronautics and Aeronautics. Insofar assuch topics have not yet been treated inthese journals, however, it is evident thatL-5 News is becoming a valuable resourcefor the aerospace professional and auseful reference for work in managementor advanced planning.

Many have speculated as to the futureof L-5 News. May I offer a modestsuggestion? Late in 1945, EugeneRabinowitz and his colleagues, at theUniversity of Chicago, founded theBulletin of the Atomic Scientists. At firstit was just a mimeographed newsletter,but it soon grew to become a leadingjournal of viewpoint and opinion, and ofinterest to many people outside thenuclear community. May I predict asimilar future for L-5 News?

T. A. HeppenheimerMax-Planck-lnstitut fur

KernphysikHeidelberg, Germany

- 2 0 -