What's the Latest Development? While the U.S. sorely lacks a
national space agenda, China has recognized the development of
space-based solar energy as essential to the betterment of its
place in the world. According to the China Academy of Space
Technology (C.A.S.T.), "the state has decided that power from
outside the earth, such as solar power and the development of
other space energy resources is to be China's future direction."
In space-based solar power, China sees a sustainable energy
source capable of supplying its blossoming economic industries.
What's the Big Idea? Beyond feeding its economy, China sees the
development of space-based energy technologies as important for
"social development, disaster prevention and mitigation, and
cultivating innovative talents through an increased space effort
the likes of which haven't been seen since the Apollo program."
In the list of technologies C.A.S.T. plans to develop, many can
be used to benefit other kinds of space ambitions, suggesting
that energy is but o