Technical programme

D3.1. Strategies & Architectures as the Framework for Future Building Blocks in Space Exploration and Development

Future scenarios for sustainable exploration and development in space will unfold in the context of global conditions that vary greatly from those of the 1950s-1970s (the first generation of space programmes, driven by international competition), or those of the 1980s-2000s (the second generation of space programmes, enabled by international cooperation). Looking to the future, it is likely that space-faring countries will pursue their goals and objectives in a more building-block fashion focused on developing high-value future space capabilities, rather than through massive, geo-politically driven programmes. Increasingly, these developments may also reflect future commercial space opportunities. As a result, it is important that the international community should engage in an ongoing discussion of strategies and architectures to frame a “building block” approach to our future in space. Such a discussion should involve sustainable budgets and multiple-purpose system-of-systems capabilities that lead to a diverse range of future activities of broad benefit to humanity. This session, which is related to a prospective new International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) study group, will address strategies and architectural approaches that may allow a new paradigm, a “building block” approach, to be established among the space-faring countries. Papers are solicited in these and related areas.

D3.2. Systems and Infrastructures to Implement Future Building Blocks in Space Exploration and Development

The emergence of novel systems and infrastructures will be needed to enable ambitious scenarios for sustainable future space exploration and utilisation. New, reusable space infrastructures must emerge in various areas include the following: (1) infrastructures that enable affordable and reliable access to space for both exploration systems and logistics; (2) infrastructures for affordable and reliable transportation in space, including access to/from lunar and planetary surfaces for crews, robotic and supporting systems and logistics; (3) infrastructures that allow sustained, affordable and highly effective operations on the Moon, Mars and other destinations; and, (4) supporting in space infrastructures that provide key services (such as communications, navigation, etc.). Papers are solicited in these and related areas.

D3.3. Novel Concepts and Technologies to Enable Future Building Blocks in Space Exploration and Development

In order to realise future, sustainable programmes of space exploration, utilisation and commercial development, a focused suite of transformational new concepts and supporting technologies must be advanced during the coming years. The technical objectives to be pursued should be drawn from a broad, forward looking view of the technologies and systems needed, but must be sufficiently well focused to allow tangible progression—and dramatic improvements over current capabilities—to be realised in the foreseeable future. This session will address cross cutting research topics and/or technologies to enable future building blocks in Space Exploration and Development. Papers are solicited in these and related areas.

D3.4. Space Technology and System Management Practices and Tools

The effective management of space technology and systems development is critical to future success in space exploration, development and discovery. This session is the next in an ongoing series at the International Astronautical Congress that provides a unique international forum to further the development of a family of ‘best practices and tools’ in this important field. Specific areas of potential interest include: (1) Technology Management Methodologies and Best Practices; (2) R&D Management Software Tools and Databases; and (3) Systems Analysis Methods and Tools. The full range of R&D activities are appropriate for discussion, ranging from technology development long-term planning, through technology R&D programmes, to system development projects, with special emphasis on the transition of new technologies from one stage to the next. Particular topics could include: Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Technology Readiness Assessments, Technology R&D Risk Assessments and Management, Advanced Concepts Modeling Approaches and Tools, etc. Either more theoretical discussions, or examples of applications of R&D management techniques and/or tools to specific R&D programmes and projects are of interest for the session.

D3.IP. Interactive Presentations