International Cooperation for Sustainable Space Exploration: the role and place of the European Space Exploration Programme “Aurora”
- Paper number
IAC-06-E3.1.B.02
- Author
Mr. Piero Messina, European Space Agency/Headquarters, France
- Year
2006
- Abstract
After a few but intense years of preparatory work, the Aurora Space Exploration Programme was finally approved by the European Ministers gathered in Berlin in December 2005. The Programme, and especially its robotic element ExoMars, was enthusiastically supported by almost all ESA Member States and Canada. Fourteen countries have subscribed to the Programme’s two elements: the Core Programme and the Robotic Mission one, today ExoMars. Since the very inception of Aurora (2001) International cooperation has always been regarded as one of the enabling factors for a robust and sustainable long term space exploration. With the launch of the Aurora programme in Europe in 2001 and the announcement by the U.S. President of a “renewed spirit of discovery” and the consequent Vision for Space Exploration, space exploration has become a top issue on space policy agendas among all space fairing Nations. Contacts, talks, workshops and conferences have all contributed to compare and discuss plans and to reinforce the need for international coordination and cooperation for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space exploration. The paper will present the status and the envisioned evolution of discussions among Nations involved or interested in space exploration on possible international coordination mechanism and analyse the role of the European Space Exploration Programme “Aurora” within the global effort of space exploration.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E3.1.B.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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