Dr. Mendell has been a planetary scientist at the Johnson Space Center for 37 years. He finds the prospects promising that we will create new sources of energy from solar-electric power satellites, deuterium and helium 3 fusion or moon-based solar-panel arrays. But, he added that although tests have already begun to demonstrate environmentally safe ways to create energy from these sources, a lot of money needs to be invested in making these new techniques work, and that they are sensible and commercial, as well as meet regulatory standards. Therefore, according to Mendell, additional funding, as well as further experimentation with various production methods will dictate which form of energy will eventually be able to replace Earth's fossil fuels.

Maryniak, however, thinks solar-power satellites (SPSs) are our best bet for a brighter future. They can be built entirely from lunar material, do not need fusion and are not electric. He stated that "they generate the least amount of greenhouse gases" and are much better than nuclear power because they are the most benign source of energy. In 1980, it was already evident that SPSs could produce enormous amounts of energy to fuel whole cities.

1.  To Secure a Future for Humanity
2. To Build a New Frontier
3. To Find New Energy Sources
4. To Build an Industrial Settlement On the Moon
5. Better Quality Images of the Universe and More of Them
6. The SETI Effort
7. Mining
8. Learning the History of Our Universe on the Moon
9. Environmental Benefits
10. Meeting the Challenge