From nuclear reactors and fighters to genes – applicability of non-space experience for development of international cooperation mechanisms for space exploration
- Paper number
IAC-05-E3.2.04
- Author
Mr. Jakub Ryzenko, Poland
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The purpose of the presented paper is to analyse the experience of international cooperation in a number of space and non-space fields, explore several approaches developed to resolve different and often contradictory interests of participating states and examine applicability of these mechanisms for international cooperation in space exploration.
Development of international cooperation framework for space exploration is challenging. The scale of investments of different participants in cooperative program differs, as do their views on its character and priorities. The results of exploration missions are usually intangible and quantification of profits gained is subjective. In a very long time perspective required for exploration missions partners’ interests may change as well as amount of resources available for them.
These challenges are not specific to space exploration, though. Many scientific and technical endeavours face similar difficulties. The paper analyses how interests and motivations of partners involved are addressed by mechanisms of international cooperation in 6 non-space and 2 space fields: nuclear research in CERN, fusion research in the framework of ITER, Joint Strike Fighter development, armaments development through European Defence Agency and OCCAR, commercial exploitation of sea-bed resources, Human Genome project, International Space Station and Global Earth Observation System of Systems.
In each case it is examined how applied cooperation mechanisms address the most sensitive areas, in particular: influence on the program planning and conduct; share and form of benefits; stability of political commitments; involvement in critical path of the program; openness for technology transfer; and principles of retaining national investments in own economies.
Detailed mechanisms of international cooperation in space exploration will vary, in each case depending on issues such as: character of the program, its scope, time-scale and constellation of partners. Nevertheless proper addressing of main national interests and their potential contradictions will always be enabling for any cooperation activity to succeed. It is expected that the analysis of a real-life experience from different areas will help to define the margins of feasible cooperation framework based on mutual benefits and long-term sustainability of cooperation.
- Abstract document