Moon, Mars, and Beyond - International exploration efforts learning from ISS experience
- Paper number
IAC-06-A5.P.01
- Author
Ms. Tina Büchner, EADS Astrium, Germany
- Coauthor
Ms. Eniko Patkos, Germany
- Coauthor
Ms. Cindy Mahler, Boeing, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Kilian A. Engel, Technical University of Munich, Germany
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The 2004 International Space University (ISU) Summer Session Program exploration team project focused on evaluating the Moon as a test bed for Mars exploration. Upon identifying the enabling concepts that can be rehearsed in the context of near-term lunar exploration, the group proposed a set of lunar missions and the political, legal, and social context in which the effort should be undertaken. One critical component of a space exploration program beyond Low Earth Orbit is the international partnering structure among countries and their space agencies, industries, and outreach organizations (e.g. American Astronautical Society and British Interplanetary Society). The most plausible model for the development of international partnering relationships and agreements suitable to support exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit is one that builds these relations incrementally. While a high level of international cooperation exists today and its importance for future space endeavors is recognized, the current models of cooperation are not sufficient to support an international exploration program. The time is now to begin discussions and planning for how countries interested in space exploration can work together. Evaluation of past cooperation models is imperative to improving partnering for the future. Numerous projects were evaluated and include the International Space Station, Joint Strike Fighter, Galileo, Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, and Integrated Global Observing Strategy. Public-led and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) were analyzed in coordination with the various cooperation projects. The ISU students recommended developing a coordinating body called the Space Exploration Forum that would join the best practices, capabilities, and resources of space agencies in order to effectively collaborate for future space exploration. The framework suggested is aimed at ensuring that interested nations minimize duplication of effort while accomplishing their space exploration objectives. In doing so, it is intended to lay the groundwork for future, closer international cooperation on a global scale. The Forum could act as coordinating body and centralize efforts on standardization, technology harmonization, and overall mission operations coordination. It shall also allow space-faring nations to make maximum use of pre-existing equipment, data, and capabilities. Some additional thoughts are given on the lessons learnt from the International Space Station Program. Suggestions are made in terms of elements to be copied from this first global space endeavor as well as ideas given for changes with regard to the ISS approach.
- Abstract document