The Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities: Recommended Framework and Key Elements for Peaceful and Sustainable Lunar Activities

Paper number

IAC-23,D4,2,4,x78223

Author

Dr. Giuseppe Reibaldi, Moon Village Association (MVA), Austria

Coauthor

Dr. Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, Commission d'Astronautique de l'Academie Roumaine, Romania

Coauthor

Mr. Ian Christensen, Secure World Foundation, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Yu XU, China

Coauthor

Ms. Sahba El-Shawa, Jordan Space Research Initiative (JSRI), Jordan

Year

2023

Abstract

This paper summarises the outcomes, status, and future activites of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) proposed and hosted by the Moon Village Association (MVA).
In February 2021, the Moon Village Association took the initiative of creating a multistakeholder forum for the discussion of critical issues for lunar coordination: the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA). GEGSLA carried out its first phase work until December 2022 and came to the adoption of the Recommended Framework and Key Elements for Peaceful and Sustainable Lunar Activities, which was published at MVA website and presented to the 60th Session of the UNCOPUOS Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. This Framework Document is considered a starting point to initiate a conversation on lunar coordination, and it was agreed upon by consensus by GEGSLA Members, which, while acting in their individual capacities, are stakeholders in lunar activities, including representatives from space agencies/government, industry, international organisations, academia and civil society.

The Framework Document comprises two parts: “Principles” and “Key Elements for Sustainable Lunar Activities”, which includes chapters on Information Sharing, Safe Operations and Lunar Environmental Protection, Interoperability, Lunar Governance, Benefits for Humanity, Sustained Lunar Economy, and Human Interaction. It is complemented by two additional documents: Annex 1, “Guidelines for lunar activity implementation and operations", and Annex 2, “A List of future issues for sustainable lunar activities."

In 2023, GEGSLA started a new operational phase with the goal of promoting verification and implementation of the Framework Document as well as exchanging information on ongoing and planned lunar missions. This paper has, therefore, the goal of promoting GEGSLA outcome documents and encouraging participation in its activities to support its mission of creating a common level playing field for coordinated, sustainable, and peaceful lunar activities.

Abstract document

IAC-23,D4,2,4,x78223.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-23,D4,2,4,x78223.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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