The Global Exploration Strategy: Developing a Framework for International Coordination and Cooperation

Paper number

IAC-07-B3.1.08

Author

Mr. Graham Gibbs, Canadian Embassy, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Gib Kirkham, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Headquarters, United States

Year

2007

Abstract

Building on the lessons of past multilateral space efforts such as the International Space Station, space agencies throughout the world are embracing the prospect of coordination and cooperation in the exploration of space on a large scale. Importantly it is envisaged that this coordination, collaboration, and cooperation will not be limited to the established space-faring nations, but also include emerging space-faring nations and the private sector.

	Since August 2006, fourteen space agencies, under the leadership of NASA have been developing The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination, (framework document) which articulates a case for globally coordinated, exploration-focused space activities of the Moon, Mars and other destinations and sets the stage for future discussion on space exploration coordination mechanisms and initial lunar exploration architectures. Though it began in earnest in August 2006 this effort has its origins in the January 2004 announcement by US President Bush of a Vision for US Exploration of Space and NASA Administrator Michael Griffin’s call for non-prescriptive approaches to lunar exploration.

	The paper describes the activities and rationales, around the world, that led to the realization that to succeed space exploration has to be a combined effort, developed in a formal, though non-binding, management structure. The paper then describes the development of the framework document, with, as appropriate, explanations for the approach taken. It also describes how the agencies were able to accommodate differing national requirements to produce a framework for coordination and cooperation that reflected the needs of all, while being sufficiently flexible to be able to accommodate future participants. The framework for coordination reflects also several independent analyses of the lessons learned or applicable resulting from other global initiatives such as the International Space Station (ISS), Group on Earth Observations (GEO), Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and others. These lessons are outlined in the paper.


	The process has nurtured a strong consensus and partnership, though not exclusive, among the fourteen founding space agencies. It is hoped that the result will be that the exploration of space will be a truly cooperative effort and not a vehicle for demonstrating supremacy.

Abstract document

IAC-07-B3.1.08.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-B3.1.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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