Insights from Developing the Isecg Global Exploration Roadmap

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IAC-11-E3.2-6

GLOBAL SPACE EXPLORATION POLICIES AND PLANS: INSIGHTS FROM DEVELOPING THE ISECG GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP

Junichiro Kawaguchi JAXA JSPEC Sagamihara, Japan, kawaguchi.junichiro@jaxa.jp

Kathleen C. Laurini NASA, Headquarters, Washington D.C., USA, Kathy.laurini-1@nasa.gov

Bernhard Hufenbach ESA ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands, [email protected]

Jean-Claude Piedboeuf CSA, St. Hubert, QC, Canada, [email protected]

Andrea Lorenzoni ASI, Italian Space Agency, Rome, Italy, [email protected]

Britta Schade Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Bonn, Germany, [email protected]

Francois Spiero CNES, Headquarters, Paris, France, francois.spiero@cnes.fr

The International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) was established in response to “The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination” developed by fourteen space agencies1. This strategy, commonly referred to as the GES, recognizes that preparing for human space exploration is a stepwise process, starting with basic knowledge and culminating in a sustained human presence in space. Robotic exploration is considered an important component of expanding human presence in space in order to increase the knowledge of future destinations, take steps to reduce risks to human explorers, and ensure the human missions can deliver maximum scientific discoveries. The ISECG enables interested agencies to develop the products considered important to inform their individual decision making, enabling decisions to be made in a coordinated manner.

In developing the Global Exploration Roadmap2, participating agencies have further elaborated the vision introduced in the GES and demonstrated their intention to maximize partnership opportunities in order to enable sustainable human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. They see the roadmap as a tool in facilitating this coordination and cooperation. They also recognize that the long-term nature of exploration endeavors necessitates identification and discussion of strategic considerations which affect their desire for an international human exploration effort. Participating agencies feel these considerations are important to understand and seek agreement early in the conceptual formulation effort.

Agencies have shared the status of their programs and plans as they pertain to space exploration. In doing so, they share insights into existing and emerging policies within their nations. Understanding these policies and plans, common elements, and common trends is important to ultimately reaching the necessary strategic consensus. This paper will review the status and common trends within ISECG participating agencies which have affected development of the first iteration of the Global Exploration Roadmap. It will

1 In alphabetical order: ASI (Italy), CNES (France), CNSA (China), CSA (Canada), CSIRO (Australia), DLR (Germany), ESA (European Space Agency), ISRO (India), JAXA (Japan), KARI (Republic of Korea), NASA (United States of America), NSAU (Ukraine), Roscosmos (Russia), UKSA (United Kingdom). “Space Agencies” refers to government organizations responsible for space activities. 2 Released in September 2011. 62nd International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, SA, Copyright 2010 by the International Astronautical Federation. All rights reserved. discuss the common strategies and findings as they pertain to ISECG‟s foundational work advancing the GES.

For more information on the ISECG please consult the ISECG website at www.globalspaceexploration.org or contact the ISECG Secretariat at: [email protected].

INTRODUCTION to ISECG‟s foundational work advancing the The International Space Exploration GES. Coordination Group (ISECG) was established in response to “The Global Exploration Strategy: GLOBAL OUTLOOK ON SPACE The Framework for Coordination” developed by EXPLORATION fourteen space agencies. This document, Agencies have shared the status of their commonly referred to as the GES, recognizes programs and plans as they pertain to space that preparing for human space exploration is a exploration. In doing so, they share insights into stepwise process, starting with basic knowledge existing and emerging policies within their and culminating in a sustained human presence nations. Understanding these policies and plans, in space. Robotic exploration is considered an common elements, and common trends is important component of expanding human important to ultimately reaching the necessary presence in space in order to increase the strategic consensus. knowledge of future destinations, take steps to reduce risks to human explorers, and ensure the General Outlook for Space Exploration human missions can deliver maximum scientific Every agency participating in the ISECG discoveries. recognizes the importance of a coordinated dialog which enables space exploration in a In developing the Global Exploration Roadmap, manner consistent with established or emerging participating agencies have further elaborated the strategies. A common element is the vision introduced in the GES and demonstrated acknowledgement of the importance of the ISS their intention to maximize partnership as the test bed and the starting point for the opportunities in order to enable sustainable human space exploration. This is followed by a human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. step-by-step approach, were individual They see the roadmap as a tool in facilitating this capabilities and technology developments are coordination and cooperation. They also leveraged. All agencies feel the impacts of the recognize that the long-term nature of current global economic situation and look for exploration endeavors necessitates identification initiatives to make ISS operations and space and discussion of strategic considerations which exploration more affordable. Lastly, the affect their desire for an international human retirement of the U.S. Space Shuttle and exploration effort. Participating agencies feel completion of ISS assembly creates industrial these considerations are important to understand base issues which are under discussion in many and seek agreement early in the conceptual nations. formulation effort. Agency Specific Highlights Space agencies participating in ISECG believe CNES that through coordination and cooperation, they CNES is contributing to European Space will be able to reach their individual agency Agency‟s science and robotic exploration space exploration objectives in a more timely programs, and in particular to ExoMars. and robust manner. They have started the Several other international cooperation‟s necessary dialog to enable this, and recognize (Phobos Grunt, Mars Science Laboratory, that the global economic situation makes it Selene-2 and Maven) are also on the way. essential that they succeed. This paper reviews In addition, France is involved in ISS the status and common trends within ISECG exploitation and utilization, notably through participating agencies which have affected the ATV control center and the CADMOS development of the first iteration of the Global operational center at CNES, as well as the Exploration Roadmap. It will discuss the procurement of several instruments. common strategies and findings as they pertain

CSA lander as precursor for future human Canadian space exploration plan has been exploration missions. Furthermore, ESA established in 2007, and the space advances exploration technologies in exploration became one of the four selected fields and is engaged in, several programs in CSA. The major activities in analogue actives such as Mars500 in CSA based on the plan include continuous collaboration with Roscosmos, and operation and upgrade of Mobile Servicing campaigns for testing exploration System, full utilization of ISS to prepare for capabilities in fields such as robotics and exploration, play key role in Mars health-management. An important political exploration, and to develop Canadian rovers process has been initiated in 2008 for the & technologies on the Moon, and analogue development of a European vision and field test in Hawaii in cooperation with strategic plan for exploration. One outcome NASA. of this process is the proposal to establish a High-level International Space Exploration DLR Platform at political level. Space Strategy of German Federal Government was released on Nov. 30, 2010. NASA DLR is in process to align and consolidate The FY 2010 Authorization Act is being its national and international activities with executed, with continued operation of ISS the strategy, ESA‟s Scenario Studies and until at least 2020, development of ISECG. DLR is involved in ESA‟s Commercial Cargo and Crew to LEO access, exploration program such as ISS development of the Space Launch System exploitation, Lunar Lander, Philae Lander, and Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle, and and ExoMars. Also, international research for exploration. U.S. Planetary cooperation with JAXA for Hayabusa-2 is Science Decadal Survey continues to inform under discussion. NASA decision making. NASA celebrated the accomplishments of the Space Shuttle JAXA program, with the last flight of STS-135 in After the successful return of Hayabusa in July 2011. Furthermore, many scientific June 2010, extensive and detail examination exploration missions or launches were of the samples from Itokawa is on-going. successfully performed this year such as Also, Hayabusa-2 project targeting C-type Stardust NExT encounter to Comet Tempel, asteroid has started. For lunar exploration, MESSENGER orbit insertion at Mercury, based on the report issued by the study Dawn in orbit around asteroid Vesta, Juno group for Japanese lunar exploration launch to Jupiter, and GRAIL launch to the strategy, project planning succeeding Moon. HQ Mission Directorate Merger and SELENE is on going. On the other hand, Reorganization has done this summer. utilization of JEM is accomplishing achievements with the support of Japanese astronauts. Furthermore, the HTV-1 & 2 OVERVIEW OF THE INTERNATIONAL missions have successfully completed. SPACE EXPLORATION COORDINATION GROUP ESA In 2006, fourteen international space agencies ESA activities in human spaceflight are began a series of discussions on space focused on the operations and effective exploration. Together they expressed their shared utilization of ISS for research and interest in “creating a common language of development. For enhancing efficiency of exploration” to enhance mutual understanding ISS operation and using ISS as a test-bed for among partners and to identify areas for potential exploration, ESA plans to install on-board cooperation. This vision was articulated in „The ISS by 2016 an advanced closed-loop life Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for support system for air revitalization. The Coordination‟ and released in May 2007. A key ATV-1 &2 missions have been successfully finding of the so-called Framework Document completed. ESA collaborates with NASA in was the need to establish a voluntary, non- the area of robotic Mars exploration for the binding international coordination mechanism implementation of the ExoMars missions through which individual agencies could and develops furthermore a robotic lunar exchange information regarding interests, 62nd International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, SA, Copyright 2010 by the International Astronautical Federation. All rights reserved. objectives, and plans in space exploration with the goal of strengthening both individual Both products demonstrate the usefulness of exploration programs as well as the collective ISECG in: effort. The coordination mechanism was called Performing studies which can the International Space Exploration Coordination subsequently lead to partnerships Group (ISECG). enabling the realization of joint missions; It was in this spirit that in July 2008 the members Informing large and small agencies of of ISECG agreed to collectively explore ideas the cooperation opportunities presented and plans for the human exploration of the Moon. by their participation From the latter half of 2008 through early 2009 Enabling them to see how their interested agencies participated in a series of capabilities and long term interests may Lunar Architecture Workshops to begin the lead to specific contributions to an process of discussing human exploration of the international exploration endeavor; Moon in the international community and Facilitating the synergy of international considered how to best satisfy the human lunar space exploration mission plans, exploration objectives. The work resulted in the programs and policies and thereby ISECG Reference Architecture for Human Lunar enhancing opportunities for Exploration serving as a global „point of collaboration and coordination; departure‟ (commonly referred to as the Lunar Maximising the benefits resulting from GPoD). In June 2010, senior exploration each planned mission, in particular managers representing space agencies recognized when considering potential follow-on that this architecture is an interesting concept for missions ; human-robotic exploration of multiple locations Encouraging timely investments in across the moon's surface. enabling technologies and their demonstration, with a special emphasis They also reached consensus on expanding the on the full use of the International work to all key exploration destinations and on Space Station (ISS) for preparing future determining the critical building blocks required human exploration missions. to reach these destinations. This would form a "global exploration roadmap" - a key element of A next step to be considered is to identify robotic an evolving international architecture effort. missions for which some payloads could serve as precursor to human missions. This could enhance Since then, the main focus of ISECG‟s activities the synergy between robotic missions and human has been the development of a Global exploration missions. Exploration Roadmap reflecting shared concepts for human exploration as well as plans in the ISECG Product Overview areas of planetary robotic exploration, advanced The first important product of ISECG was the technology development and the use of the ISS ISECG Reference Architecture for Human Lunar in preparation for exploration. The initial version Exploration which reflects the agency of the Global Exploration Roadmap has been commitments to finding an effective balance reviewed by senior agency managers on August between conducting important scientific 30, 2011 and was released on September 22, investigations of and from the Moon, as well as 2011. demonstrating and mastering the technologies and capabilities to send humans farther into the Participation in ISECG Solar System. The lunar gPoD begins with a The ISECG Reference Architecture for Human robust robotic precursor phase that demonstrates Lunar Exploration represents one international technologies and capabilities considered approach, reflecting the best ideas and concepts important for the success of the campaign. of engineers and scientists from participating Robotic missions will inform the human agencies. The development of the Global missions and aim at reducing their associated Exploration Roadmap expands the work to all risks. This work informed agencies preparing to key exploration destinations recognizing that play a role in a human lunar exploration program. such a roadmap will be evolving and responding to new programmatic priorities, scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs. 62nd International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, SA, Copyright 2010 by the International Astronautical Federation. All rights reserved.

The second important product is the Global reference regarding needed technologies, Exploration Roadmap (GER). The first iteration research and capabilities for exploration. With of this product has been released in September this, they have a basis for making individual 2011. The GER enables agencies to work decisions regarding near term investments in a collaboratively on long-range exploration coordinated manner. The work of ISECG is but scenarios and look for opportunities to one important input to their national decision coordinate and cooperate on preparatory making effort. activities. The first iteration of the GER captures the common long-range human exploration EMERGING TRENDS AND ISSUES strategy, which starts from the International In developing products jointly within the ISECG, Space Station (ISS) and expands human presence participating agencies have identified several throughout the solar system, leading to human strategic considerations which deserve further missions to the surface of Mars. reflection. In some cases, these strategic considerations represent emerging trends THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP observed in overall space exploration efforts. In In order to effectively inform individual agency other cases, these considerations represent issues decision making, the Global Exploration to be discussed and tackled collectively in order Roadmap creates a framework for technical to enable international partnerships for space discussions. This framework has 3 elements: exploration. Several of these considerations are Common Goals and Objectives, Long-Range discussed below. Exploration Scenarios, and coordination of exploration preparatory activities. Each of these Interdependency elements is considered important in preparing for Human exploration will require agencies to an international exploration program of the accept and manage interdependency at different future. Each will be summarized below. levels: architecture, mission, capabilities and systems. This is because no one nation can Common Goals and Objectives invest in all the capabilities necessary to Agencies have shared their space exploration sustainably explore. Enablers for objectives with the intent of looking for interdependency include: commonality. Agencies recognize that they don‟t need to have a completely common set of – Availability of a long-term plan reflecting goals and objectives; however, agencies must be agency consensus able to see a path towards meeting their – Long-term political commitment individual objectives through the common effort. – Common transportation policy More information can be found in IAC- – Clear identification of exit strategies 11.A5.4.2, ISECG Space Exploration Goals, – Redundancies/ programmatic robustness Objectives and Benefits (Ref 1). – Gradual inclusion of new Partners through confidence building measures Long-Range Exploration Scenarios – Common agreement on role of commercial The roadmap focuses on two pathways: initiatives which may evolve “Asteroid Next” and “Moon Next”. Both the “Moon Next” and “Asteroid Next” pathways are Interdependency will be a key driver for deemed to be practical approaches which address discussion on governance schemes and common high-level exploration goals developed cooperation framework. Products such as the by the participating agencies and inform near- GER help participating agencies to gain insights term decisions faced by individual agencies. in needs for and implications of interdependency. Each pathway is expanded through a “Mission Understanding the importance of Scenario”. More information can be found in interdependency at this early stage will help IAC-11.D3.1.2, ISECG Mission Scenarios and agencies take steps to define partnerships in a their Role in Informing Next Steps for Human way that can best enable their successful Exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit (Ref 2). implementation.

Near-Term Opportunities for Coordination and High-Level International Space Exploration Cooperation Platform By working together on long-range exploration As stated above, long-term political commitment mission scenarios, agencies have a common at international level is an essential enabler of a 62nd International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, SA, Copyright 2010 by the International Astronautical Federation. All rights reserved. sustainable exploration endeavour which is based scenarios which provide a cadence of astronaut on international interdependency. The opportunities to all participating nations is Intergovernmental Agreements between the ISS essential. Partners have created the necessary stability for the successful implementation of the ISS Human robotic partnership programme over a long period of time. The GES Human-robotic partnership is an indispensable already debated extensively the need for global element in any effort of exploration. This exploration as an enabler for sustainable space includes robotic missions designed primarily to exploration and the GER strongly builds on this meet scientific objectives, those implemented in assumption. Clearly, the implementation of a preparation of human missions and robotic long-term exploration roadmap leading to a systems which travel together with human human mission to Mars will not be implemented explorers. through one large international programme, like it has been the case for the development and Development of robotic technologies is operations of the ISS. Exploration will rather be considered a key priority for many agencies implemented through a multitude of programmes, participating in GER development. This is some nationally others based on international because exploration requirements can help to cooperation. Larger international exploration drive innovation in robotic systems which programmes will be based on specific benefit terrestrial markets. cooperation frameworks, of which some may require agreements at intergovernmental level. Robotics missions in the near to medium term To succeed in the implementation of the GES are the most visible expression of agency‟s intent vision and the implementation of the Global and commitment to explore the target destination Exploration Roadmap, the various programmes of interest. Human spaceflight activities will to be implemented need to fit into a “bigger focus in the next 10 years on missions to ISS/ picture” at political level, and leverage on each LEO and development of capabilities for other. exploration, while robotic scouts will advance our knowledge of the solar system and prepare International political vision, guidance and for human missions to follow. commitment will be required to enable the implementation of a robust and sustainable space The GER process contributes to identifying exploration programme. With this in mind and opportunities for international coordination and recognising the importance of early political cooperation in robotic missions. It also ensures engagement at international level, the political that interoperability standards are defined such process initiated in Europe in 2008 under the that the human-robotic partnership maximizes joint leadership of the European Commission the overall return of space exploration (EC) and ESA has led to the proposal to establish investments. a non-binding High-level International Space Exploration Platform at political level. This NEXT STEPS AND CONCLUSION Platform, will be discussed in Lucca (Italy) on 10 To advance the global space exploration effort, November 2011, and should provide the the important work of ISECG should continue. necessary frame in which Europe (ESA, EC and The ISECG is open to any national space agency their Member States) and its International who shares the desire to advance the globally Partners will discuss and exchange on their coordinated space exploration vision contained respective plans and possible cooperation, at the in the GES. Yet, decisions regarding space level of the Ministers in charge of space. exploration will not be made by ISECG. As a non-binding forum, ISECG is useful for The importance of a cadence of Astronaut flights advancing a common understanding of potential Astronaut flights are the most visible return of missions and the technical and political enablers. investments in human spaceflight programs to To this end, the GER will be updated regularly to the public; Astronauts are the ambassadors of the reflect changes to agency policies and plans, as overall program and provide a unique well as the emerging consensus on global efforts perspective and benefit of space exploration. In which responds to these plans. short, they are essential for mobilising and sustaining significant investments in human In addition, a political dialog is expected to spaceflight activities. 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