Platform Learning In Space Exploration Strategy

Paper number

IAC-07-D3.5.-D3.4-E5.5.02

Author

Mr. Alar Kolk, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland

Year

2007

Abstract

TOWARDS NEW FRAMEWORK OF LEARNING IN GLOBAL SPACE EXPLORATION STRATEGY:
NEW STRATEGIC CAPABILITIES TO BUILD VALUE CHAINS OF TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS IN INTERDICIPLINARY AND EXPEDITIONARY ENVIRONMENTS

The space exploration programs emerge in the US and Europe exhibit similarities in form and objective. Both are based on an open-ended vision of a sustained long-term effort starting with the Moon , then Mars. Therefore global platform for development of expeditionary learning capabilities and new architecture for the joint exploration strategies is needed along truly open innovation concepts. What are these unique capabilities and innovative strategies space agencies need to develop jointly to pursuit the revolutionary challenges? 

Redefining the nature of the exploration  seems to be most critical. Strategically (extended humane presence) and from technological (system of systems ) aspect the pursuit of the space vision will be more as an expedition. Implementation of expeditionary strategy requires different capabilities from the national space agencies and private partners as present today. The integrator of human factor and systems of interdisciplinary technologies will be innovative learning strategy. It needs to be invented accordingly to the expedition’s strategic criteria’s and cooperatively implemented as a common standard. One could describe it as platform learning  which would form a basement for the future exploration of the space. 

The strategy of learning in space exploration is oriented towards survival in changing environmental conditions and subsequently towards learning how to learn. Critical objective  is to develop the system-of-systems, transformational new capabilities, that are necessary for a first extended human expedition to the lunar surface. A sustained human presence on the Moon will be a learning experience in every level of the system. Expedition to Mars and beyond requires even more sophisticated learning pattern to develop, cooperate and exploit new technologies, innovative robotic systems. Extremely long distance (Mars and beyond) of communication means that no immediate control from the ground (have to learn to live off the land) will be possible. Therefore parameters and architecture of the mission control requires redesign from the context of the platform learning. 

It means that integrated value creation enables to program technical challenges (e.g. autonomy, reconfigurablity, robotic networks) into one strategic space asset. Defining the pattern one should design elements and characteristics of technological system suitable for interdisciplinary and expeditionary environment. 

Abstract document

IAC-07-D3.5.-D3.4-E5.5.02.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-D3.5.-D3.4-E5.5.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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