operational parameters, in particular, the possible environmental effects of microwave transmission through the atmosphere. Data from the pilot SSPS would be of importance for the construction of commercial SSPS's in the post1989 period. 4. Space Transportation Systems (STS). These would be developed in the time between now and 1989. This program would include space shuttle improvements, an advanced shuttle upper stage or space tug for orbit to orbit operations, and an advanced lunar lander for going from lunar orbit to lunar surface and vice versa. All vehicles should be capable of being operated in both manned and unmanned modes. 5. Power Relay Satellites (PRS). At least two of these would be constructed in the 1982-84 period. One would be active while the other would be passive. The PRS's would be evaluated in conjunction with the pilot SSPS. 6. Asteroid Retrieval Mission (ARM). In the 1983-86 time period, an automated spacecraft would be sent to a suitable asteroid, to rendezvous and dock with it, return with it and insert it into an orbit about the earth. The primary objective of this mission would be to ascertain the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of refining asteroidal material and utilizing the refined matter for the manufacture of components for the construction of large space structures, such as 10,000 megawatt SSPS's. 7. Pilot Lunar Mining and Refining Facility (PLMRF). In the 1983-86 time frame, either a manned or unmanned project (depending on which is most feasible at the time) would emplace a facility on the lunar surface which would mine, refine, and launch materials for use at an appropriate site in space, presumably the SMF. As in the case of ARM, the objective of this project would be to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of this approach to obtaining materials for construction of large space structures. 8. Large Space Antennas (LSA). This could be accomplished in the 1981-82 time frame even before the establishment of complete NEOMSS and SMF. SSPS's will require LSA. However, these LSA could be used for terrestrial communications purposes in the early 1980's for potentially profitmaking enterprises thus illustrating that large space operations can be of commercial value at an early period of the accelerated NASA program. 9. Large Orbiting Mirrors (LOM's). A series of increasingly bigger LOM's would be constructed between 1982 and 1989 in order to reflect sunlight to the earth for such purposes as illumination and enhancement of agricultural production. Although the early LOM's would only be demonstration models, the later ones could be for profit-making commercial operations. Funding in the 1990 to 2001 period would be further increased to whatever level is necessary to allow full scale commercial operation of spacebased energy sources by the end of this century. B'nai B'rith has considered other aspects of space industrialization. For example, there is evidence that this nation could be facing severe raw materials shortages in the not-too distant future. Even stringent recycling programs with an intensive use of energy could not fully recover any particular material. Hence, if demand keeps increasing for any particular material, such as nickel, the gap between supply and demand would continually increase. The ARM project in the B'nai B'rith list for NASA could also be used to determine the feasibility of utilizing appropriate asteroids to fully supply this country with critically needed materials by the end of this century without the necessity for environmental concerns as would have to be considered in the case of ocean mining. In addition, for many materials, the supply available from non-terrestrial sources is much greater than could be obtained from the oceans of this world. The Energy Committee has also been thinking further ahead. It appears, barring any radical breakthrough in physics, that thermal pollution will impose a definite limitation on the use of energy in the environment of this planet. The only feasible means of getting around this difficulty is to eventually locate most industry in a non-terrestrial environment. All of the above considerations lead B'nai B'rith to strongly support House Concurrent Resolutions 451 and 447 with their request for an assessment "of developing as a national goal for the year 2000 the first manned structures in space for the conversion of solar energy and other extraterrestrial resources to the peaceable and practical use of human beings everywhere." It is with a firm belief that this assessment will shortly give a very positive result that the B'nai B'rith Energy Committee of Maryland urges the aforementioned immediate, sharp and continuously sustained increase in the NASA budget. House Committee on Science and Technology Hearing on Future Space Programs January 24-26, 1978 Testimony of William A. Good, pilot for Braniff International I appreciate this opportunity to present my own personal views regarding future commercial space programs. These ideas have been strongly influenced by my studies towards a PhD in international business at New York University, as well as by the recently concluded NASA pilot astronaut selection process in which I was an unsuccessful applicant. Within three years the world hopes to see the beginning of the commercial phase of the Space Shuttle program and the birth of a commercial space transportation system. There is presently an urgent need for enlightened legislation and regulation to force the growth of an integrated air/space transportation system entirely within the private sector. In 1978 the Congress basically has two options with regard to transportation: (1) Fragmented regulatory misconception which fails to (2) Stable and integrated regulatory guidance which provides incentives for private capital by creating an environment in which business can have some confidence in its ability to earn a reasonable return on its investment. The airline industry has been so busy dealing with the effects of government-induced uncertainties that it is allowing itself to slip into a "no growth" mode by not insisting on a greater role in the development of the space transportation system at this important phase. The current NASA attitude is to maintain control of the space transportation system indefinitely. Congress needs to act now to support private enterprise in air/space transportation. AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION 26TH EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING SUBJECT Support of ALPA members applying for pilot astronaut positions on the NASA Space Shuttle (Space Transportation System) SOURCE OF AGENDA ITEM C. H. Lewis, Jr., BNF MEC Chairman RESOLUTION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD WHEREAS the NASA Space Shuttle is of extreme technological importance for future international transportation, communications, and economics, and WHEREAS the NASA Space Transportation System User Handbook states that "Commercial activities of a domestic and international nature will be prevalent. The commercial utilization of space is being encouraged..." and WHEREAS industry leaders have recognized the importance of balancing the constraints of the laws of physics and the environment with the proper inputs of economic incentives, technological capabilities, and capital resources, and WHEREAS at least one highly qualified ALPA member has applied to NASA for the position of pilot astronaut on the Space Shuttle, and WHEREAS it is in the best interest of ALPA and the airline industry to support a leave of absence with accruing seniority for such highly qualified and motivated pilot astronaut applicants, and WHEREAS there is no reason to place artificial restrictions on the involvement of the airline industry in advanced transportation systems once they are economically viable, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the President of the Association is directed to pursue all avenues necessary to support ALPA members who are highly qualified to participate in the NASA Space Shuttle Program as pilot astronauts, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President work with both NASA and ATA to insure continued airline industry growth within the entire terrestrial environment without artificial altitude and/or speed constraints, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution, as well as any future NASA/ATA/ALPA collaborative commercial agreements which may result in the not so distant future, be published in the Air Line Pilot magazine so as to increase ALPA membership awareness of the career implications of developing technology. |