Successful space exploration through easier technology transfer
- Paper number
IAC-05-E3.1.05
- Author
Mr. Serge Plattard, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), Austria
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Because of its very nature, space exploration affordable at reasonable costs will need a coordinated cooperation between several partners on a multinational/regional basis. This challenging endeavour poses the problem of access to technical information, to begin with, and further technology access/transfer. Unless impediments preventing a conducive environment enabling such exchanges are smoothed, it is unlikely that collaborative and innovative work in this space activity will reach the level anticipated by decision makers, businesses and public opinion. Today’s ITAR procedures prevent the proper atmosphere favouring the needed cooperation to be set on a broad basis. Indeed, it is often said that the current regulation on technology transfer would make impossible repeating the Cassini-Huygens venture exemplifying the importance of the problem. This issue is becoming an important political question between the two sides of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Pacific Ocean. Taking into account that ITAR will prevail for some time, this paper will address the different possibilities that could still be at hand to pursue a collaborative work for the peaceful exploration of space. It will also analyse the consequences of this state of fact on the US space component industry together with the European industry (ESA and CNES Space Component Initiative), possibly the Japanese industry too. Suggestions as to a more conducive environment for a multilateral/bilateral/regional collaborations will be presented. Of particular interest will be the role that could be played by transatlantic, transpacific and transeurasian strategic partnerships.
- Abstract document