US Space Exploration Initiative – Risk or Opportunity For Transatlantic Co-operation?
- Paper number
IAC-06-E3.P.1.03
- Author
Ms. Agnes Mellot, DLR (Washington Office), France
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The Space Exploration led by the United States is highly appreciated by the International Space Communities. The United States directives "a renewed Spirit of Discovery" from the White House dated January 2004 induce the complementary NASA Authorization Act of 2005. Exploration and science workshops as well as Space Industry Day meetings have been conducted. The US-Congress is supporting a framework for International partnerships and the 2006 NASA strategic plan focuses on the target to "Encourage the pursuit of appropriate partnerships with the emerging commercial space sector". Science and industry are pointing out the necessity of co-operation on International Space programs to maximize the outcome (win-win) and quality aspects under time and budget constrains. NASA and its centers will contribute to meet the objectives and challenges within different domains to establish International partnerships and co-operation for the development and mastering of core competencies in the aerospace fields. Space research (robotic and human applications) with a peaceful objective is offered to the International Space agencies. It is foreseen to develop advanced new technologies for Crew and Cargo transportation within the United States. Core competencies and leading edge Space technologies are not to be dependent on International partners even so, there are several outstanding International contributions and Interdisciplinary projects which could be realized in International partnership Joint Ventures etc. to save time and money. New principles, a legal framework and sufficient management procedures have to be developed to reach a win-win situation in the transatlantic cooperation. In accordance with the compatibility we reached in system for defense the ITAR, TAA (Technical Assistance Agreement) have to be adopted (amendment) to impact International mutual interaction in Space exploration in a positive way. Looking for common standards opens new opportunity for fruitful International partnerships and especially transatlantic co-operation within the Space core businesses. The new European advanced technologies applied in International co-operation projects will allow the US partners to gain leadership through the creation of mutual beneficial situation, sharing the risks, responsibilities and the costs on exploration projects. The additional important advantage for NASA and the partners in science and industry is time efficiency in further developments and the use of European expert knowledge that can be used in a trustful relation if the guarantees to do so are given. The limitation and the restriction of International partnership due to the risk of loosing the leadership or the dominant position on a competitive market have to be overcome. Another important issue and highly important aspect is the application of existing space technology applications (SatCom \& Navigation, Remote Sensing and Dual-Use technologies) that may impact the creation of new International partnerships on civilian, commercial and defense programs. The IAC in Valencia provides a unique platform to streamline the ongoing discussions and can promote further harmonization within the process of Internationalization of Space exploration.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E3.P.1.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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