What's on the horizon for space

SAE 100 Future look: Dramatic changes in the Earth's climate are certain to drive humanity's search for alternative fuel sources.

As the accelerating advance of technology extends our reach farther into the cosmos over the next 100 years, we may set out to seek these alternative fuels in space.

Colonies, refineries, and even power-plants on the Earth's moon could collect the helium required for nuclear power. Satellites orbiting the Earth, the moon, and other planets could remain aligned with the sun to collect power from massive solar arrays, and either energy source could then be projected to Earth's other colonies via microwave or laser upon alignment with static ground receivers. Similar structures could provide a steady source of energy to spacecraft, space-station modules, and prefabricated buildings, aiding long-range travel and population of bodies such as Titan and Mars.