The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessary background or context for your research problem. How to frame the research problem is perhaps the biggest problem in proposal writing. If the research problem is framed in the context of a general, rambling literature review, then the research question may appear trivial and uninteresting. However, if the same question is placed in the context of a very focused and current research area, its significance will become evident. Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules on how to frame your research question just as there is no prescription on how to write an interesting and informative opening paragraph. A lot depends on your creativity, your ability to think clearly and the depth of your understanding of problem areas.

However, try to place your research question in the context of either a current hot area, or an older area that remains viable. Thirdly, provide the contemporary context in which your proposed research question occupies the central stage. Finally, identify key writers and refer to the most relevant and representative publications. In short, try to paint your research question in broad brushes and at the same time bring out its significance. The introduction typically begins with a general statement of the problem area, with a focus on a specific research problem, to be followed by the rationale or justification for the proposed study. The introduction generally covers the following elements:

Provide the context and set the stage for your research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance. Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing. Briefly describe the major issues and sub problems to be addressed by your research. Set the delimitation or boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus. Define key concepts where appropriate

click here to return to the research proposal. The space studies institutes primary activity is the development of tools and techniques to harvest space resources. Ssis plan called for the use of resources already in space to: provide clean energy to the earth, to improve the environment, and enhance the quality of life.

We believe that this process can be bootstrapped in a commercially viable way by first using simple non terrestrial resources to support space operations which would otherwise be dependent on supply from the bottom of the earths deep gravity well. By using space resources we can establish a system to construct solar power satellites to supply the earths energy needs. We can also provide permanent habitats in free space for construction personnel and their families so that costly crew rotations can be eliminated. Space can be made a true frontier, analogous to that presented by the opening of the americas, enabling vast new economic opportunities.

These are made possible by the large amount of energy per capita available in space, the creation of new lands through the construction of permanent habitats in free space, and the availability of material resources from lunar and asteroidal materials. By providing a broad spectrum of opportunities and choices, we can promote and expand cherished human freedoms, traditions, and cultures. We can increase the longevity of our species by diversifying human societies throughout the solar system. To achieve these goals, the space studies institute is engaged in an continuous program of research and education. The space studies institute conducted nearly 50 research projects, each designed to bring us closer to opening the high frontier for all humanity. Initially, the institute worked on a single area at a time, such as the series of proof of concept mass drivers and the bench scale testing of steps in the hf acid leach technique for processing lunar soil. In addition, ssi research naturally evolved, as we learned from the results of our past efforts.

For example, our initial research on the design of solar power satellites from lunar materials assumed that any material reasonably abundant in lunar soil could be used for sps construction. However, as the result of our work in simple forms of non terrestrial materials, we decided to revisit sps design with a study of early economical solar power satellite designs that could be constructed from the most easily processed types of lunar materials. In general, ssi research projects were designed to prove the elements of a critical path of technologies which would enable the use of space resources for the construction of space colonies and solar power satellites. Further, the institute explored potential breakthroughs which could dramatically lower the cost or shorten the time frame for implementation of our overall plan.

Essay on Effects of Technology on Human Life

An example of this latter sort of high leverage activity is the concept of prospecting for space resources. The location of lunar polar water deposits or easily accessible asteroids could dramatically improve the prospects for human activity in space. Searching for these resources is an activity which can be carried out at a very modest level, yet could yield enormous benefits. a pattern of success ssi enjoyed the results of over a decade of focused research.

Thanks to the institutes work and the communication of our research results to such bodies as the presidents national commission on space, the nasa office of exploration, and the national space council, there is now widespread interest in the use of lunar resources for space activity. In addition, ssi preserved the concept of solar power satellites and enhanced and expanded on the original concept by producing designs of solar power satellites which could be constructed from lunar materials. For nearly a decade, ssi is the sole support of this concept in the united states, although work in this area continued in europe, japan, and the soviet union. Thanks to ssis activities, there is a growing interest in this important clean energy source for our planet.