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The Global Exploration Roadmap January 2018 What is New in The Global Exploration Roadmap? This new edition of the Global Exploration robotic space exploration. Refinements in important role in sustainable human space Roadmap reaffirms the interest of 14 space this edition include: exploration. Initially, it supports human and agencies to expand human presence into the robotic lunar exploration in a manner which Solar System, with the surface of Mars as • A summary of the benefits stemming from creates opportunities for multiple sectors to a common driving goal. It reflects a coordi- space exploration. Numerous benefits will advance key goals. nated international effort to prepare for space come from this exciting endeavour. It is • The recognition of the growing private exploration missions beginning with the Inter- important that mission objectives reflect this sector interest in space exploration. national Space Station (ISS) and continuing priority when planning exploration missions. Interest from the private sector is already to the lunar vicinity, the lunar surface, then • The important role of science and knowl- transforming the future of low Earth orbit, on to Mars. The expanded group of agencies edge gain. Open interaction with the creating new opportunities as space agen- demonstrates the growing interest in space international science community helped cies look to expand human presence into exploration and the importance of coopera- identify specific scientific opportunities the Solar System. Growing capability and tion to realise individual and common goals created by the presence of humans and interest from the private sector indicate and objectives. their infrastructure as they explore the Solar a future for collaboration not only among System. Although summarised here, details international space agencies, but also with This third edition of the Global Exploration of this interaction have been published in private entities pursuing their own goals Roadmap reflects consensus about the a supplemental white paper on Scientific and objectives. importance of the Moon on the pathway Opportunities Enabled by Human Exploration to Mars and adds refinements in each step Beyond Low-Earth Orbit which is available ISECG space agencies envision a future of along this path as agencies continue to make at www.globalspaceexploration.org. expanding partnerships and collaboration, individual and collective progress. The road- • The introduction of an international deep with an increasing number of actors, as a map demonstrates how capabilities under space Gateway concept. The deep space means to realise the ambitious shared goal development or study around the world could Gateway is a small human-tended facil- of sustainably expanding human and robotic enable a sustainable future of human and ity around the Moon which will play an presence into the Solar System. Australia Canada China European Space Agency France India Italy Japan Republic of Korea Russia Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP Table of Contents Chapter 1. Why We Explore 1 Chapter 2. The Mission Scenario 9 Chapter 3. Preparatory Activities 21 Chapter 4. Conclusion 29 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP Chapter 1: Why We Explore “The Earth is the cradle of humanity, but mankind cannot stay in the cradle forever.” ~ Konstantin Tsiolkovsky 1 A Shared Roadmap for Expanding Human Presence into the Solar System The International Space Station (ISS), con- This shared roadmap embraces government and private sector strategies for tinuously crewed since 2000, shows the expanding human presence in low Earth orbit, to the Moon and on to Mars. benefits and potential of human activity in low Government investments in space exploration capabilities and missions serve Earth orbit. The ISS hosts ongoing scientific an important role by advancing technologies, reducing risks and identifying new investigations sponsored by government and markets where competition can spur innovation that generates further benefits. non-government entities. Through interna- tional collaboration, over 2,100 such activities have been implemented with more ongoing. Ambitious visions like the ones shown below The Global Exploration Roadmap rep- The ISS is an invaluable long-duration flight have the power to unite in a common cause and resents a blueprint of next steps for the analogue for future human deep space mis- inspire future generations. Human space explo- current and next generation of explorers. sions enabling research to address human ration has fascinated humanity since the start of Governments, the private sector and academia health and performance risks as well as the space age in the 1950’s and inspired a multi- will determine investments and partnerships serving as a testbed for critical technologies. tude of engaging visions, promoted by individuals, that can translate this blueprint into tangible It is also used for educational and outreach space agencies and private sector entities. The progress extending human presence, with the activities, reaching millions of students and Global Exploration Roadmap is consistent with associated benefits. the interested public around the world each these visions and represents a common pathway year. Lastly, the ISS is facilitating the eco- which can enable their realisation. nomic development of low Earth orbit, which will remain an important destination for human activity and research in space. ISECG space agencies envision that by the mid 2020’s a Gateway in the lunar vicinity will open the space frontier for human explora- tion of the Moon, Mars and asteroids as we expand human exploration and commerce into deep space. The Gateway will support activities on and around the Moon while also serving as a technology and operations test- bed allowing human explorers to address the challenges and risks of deep space explora- tion and conduct scientific investigation of our Solar System. The Moon Village vision entails an incrementally growing ensemble of capabilities for multiple uses and is open to multiple users. Utilising the Gateway with a partially reu- suable lunar lander (under study by JAXA, ESA and Roscosmos), human missions to the lunar surface are envisioned. These missions will also advance some of the capabilities and technologies needed for the exploration of Mars. Astronauts can advance the prepa- ratory work of robotic missions in assessing the potential for resources on the lunar sur- face and techniques for using them to make exploration sustainable. The UAE vision of Mars 2117 will drive technologies for space exploration such as energy, water and food security that will also benefit life on Earth. 2 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP CHAPTER 1 Expanding human presence into the Solar System has the unique capacity to inspire citizens around the world to create a better future. The knowledge and technologies derived The Global Exploration Strategy: the Framework The ISECG was established in response to from this endeavour expand our under- for Coordination, released in 2007, presents the Global Exploration Strategy. The Global standing of the Universe, create economic a vision for globally coordinated human and Exploration Roadmap depicted below has opportunities and help address grand chal- robotic space exploration focused on Solar been developed to aid in turning this vision lenges faced here on Earth. A partnership System destinations where humans may one into reality. While not committing individual between humans and robots is essential to day live and work. In this global vision, robotic agencies to specific steps and activities, the success of this venture. Robotic missions missions precede human explorers to the the Global Exploration Roadmap serves as accomplish world-class science while also Moon, near-Earth asteroids, and Mars in order a reference for generating innovative ideas serving as our scouts and proxies, venturing to unveil many of their secrets, characterise and solutions to address the challenges first into hostile environments to gather criti- their environments, and identify risks and ahead together. cal information that makes human exploration potential resources. Human exploration then safer. Humans will bring their flexibility, follows in a coordinated manner that is afford- adaptability, experience, dexterity, creativity, able and sustainable, which both benefits intuition, and the ability to make real time and contributes to space agencies around the decisions to the missions. world achieving their goals and objectives. The Global Exploration Roadmap 2020 2030 2040 Goal of ON TO MARS Humans on the Martian Surface MARS SURFACE Robotic Mars Sample Return MARS ORBIT Mars Mars TO THE MOON Transportation Orbital Mission Capabilities LUNAR SURFACE Robotic Resource Prospecting Missions LUNAR ORBIT IN LEO EARTH ORBIT Human Lunar Surface Exploration Deep Space Gateway Gateway Moon and Mars Mission Support Operations Commercial Orion Transportation Russian Crew and SLS Systems Transportation System International Space Station China Space Station Future Platforms 3 The Benefits of Space Exploration: A grand endeavour pursued by nations seeking to gain new knowledge, inspire and drive innovations. Human and robotic space exploration responds to the deeply rooted quest of humankind for answering questions on the origins and nature of life in our Universe and extending human frontiers. Space exploration brings direct and indirect benefits to society. Benefits can be categorized
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