International Cooperation for Human Spaceflight

Paper number

IAC-11,E3,6,1,x9277

Author

Dr. Scott Pace, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Giuseppe Reibaldi, International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), The Netherlands

Year

2011

Abstract

Last year, the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Human Spaceflight Study Group produced a report on the future of human spaceflight. Written by an international team on the occasion of the IAA 50th Anniversary Head of Agencies Summit, this report was end-to-end assessment of human spaceflight issues starting from fundamental exploration questions and concluding with possible approaches to implementing international cooperation. This study provides concrete proposals on how to move beyond the International Space Station program and to make human spaceflight part of a broader international agenda for the benefit of all mankind.

The time horizon used by the Study Group is from the present day through 2050. This time horizon is meant to look toward the needs of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and other members of the international space community. It is sufficiently long to look beyond immediate political conditions but not so far as to be beyond practical planning.

Study recommendations support and remain consistent with the Global Exploration Strategy. The report does not contain a proposal for a single program, but an approach that recognizes that individual space exploration activities can achieve more through coordination and cooperation and that opportunities existing for contributions by states at varying levels of space capability.

The conclusions and recommendations of the report were presented at the November 17, 2010 Heads of Space Agencies Summit in Washington, DC. The thirty-five space agency representatives at the Summit agreed to a joint statement of support for international cooperation in human space flight. This paper will summarise the main results of the report, discuss potential follow-up activities arising from the Summit, and highlight the most important policy and regulatory changes for human explorations beyond Low Earth Orbit.

Abstract document

IAC-11,E3,6,1,x9277.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-11,E3,6,1,x9277.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.