In this concept, bases on opposing sides of the moon would capture sunlight, convert it to microwaves, and then beam the energy to Earth. Antennas on the ground could then distribute the energy to power grids throughout the world. Space mining is 10 to 20 years, or even further out. Many trends are converging to open up commercial development of space resources. One early space market that Sharp envisions is learning how to recycle in space.
Water is the most obvious example, perhaps for recreational purposes, say for a space hotel.
Sharp suggests that there is exponential growth occurring in our knowledge of space resources. Most recently, the possible discovery of lunar ice by NASA's Lunar Prospector spacecraft has triggered renewed interest in studies of the moon. Furthermore, the International Space Station, Sharp believes, will be the site of investigations that will likely lead to product manufacturing in microgravity. The Colorado school is designing experiments for the space station and Mars probes. Still other factors are helping fuel the idea of space resource utilization, Sharp feels.