From Earth Exploration to Space Exploration – The Evolution of a new Type of Discovery Missions
- Paper number
IAC-07-E3.4.03
- Author
Mr. Marc Haese, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Today, space exploration often is put in line with the endeavours of explorers in past centuries. This paper analyses mission objectives, motivations, political backgrounds and economic conditions of exploration missions between the 9th and the 20th century and compares them with present activities and plans in space exploration. It reveals that hardly any genuine similarity can be established between present and past activities. Current developments in space exploration seem to lay the foundation for a complete new type of exploration which holds benefits in different aspects for the participating nations as well as for humankind. Various missions of explorers in the past centuries have been examined regarding their individual characteristics and against the background of their time. It was found that historic missions can be classified within three categories of exploration: economically motivated missions, science driven missions, and missions stimulated by the spirit of competitiveness and prestige. Based on this analysis, one example is presented for each category: Christopher Kolumbus, Alexander von Humboldt and the Apollo program. By way of comparison an outline of the environment for space exploration in the 21st century, on national and international level, is given. It demonstrates the many differences between present programs and historic missions, and discloses the evolution of a new type of exploration. It is characterised by international, peaceful and safe missions for the benefit of science and society. Moreover, international collaboration will play a significant role as facilitator for exploration missions of bigger scale in the future.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E3.4.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.