Space 2002 and Robotics 2002

This proceedings is a collection of 72 papers covering a vision of humankind's future in space and robotic applications in space and in challenging situations and environments on Earth. Subjects include developing technologies of space exploration; space elevators and tethers; lunar and Martian exploration and construction; space power systems; near-Earth object (NEO) threat; high-altitude balloons; structures, materials, and controls; robotics technology; robotics in space exploration; business in space; space law and policy; and robotic applications in space, terrestrial inspection and maintenance, construction, underwater operations, the nuclear industry, environmental remediation, industry, and medicine. These papers were presented at Space 2002: The Eighth International Conference and Exposition on Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Business in Space and Robotics 2002: The Fifth International Conference and Exposition/Demonstration on Robotics for Challenging Situations and Environments, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico from March 17 to 21, 2002.