The Future of European Space Exploration TOWARDS A EUROPEAN LONG-TERM STRATEGY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY DECEMBER 2005 Contents 1 FORWORD ....................................................... 2 8 HABITABILITY AND LIFE BEYOND EARTH ................... 18 2 INTRODUCTION ................................................. 4 9 SUSTAINABLE HUMAN LIFE IN SPACE....................... 20 3 EUROPEAN VISION AND HIGH-LEVEL REQUIREMENTS ..... 6 10 SHARING THE SPACE ADVENTURE AND BENEFITS .......... 22 4 INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT .................................... 8 11 IMPLEMENTATION ASPECTS .................................. 24 11.1 MANAGING AFFORDABILITY ...................................... 24 11.2 FOSTERING INNOVATION ......................................... 24 5 EUROPEAN ACHIEVEMENTS AND NEAR-TERM ACTIVITIES... 10 11.3 CONSIDERING ETHICS ............................................ 25 5.1 EUROPEAN SPACE EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES: 11.4 COORDINATION SCIENCE ........................................ 25 THE STORY SO FAR ................................................ 10 11.5 ADDRESSING LEGAL ISSUES ....................................... 25 5.2 THE EUROPEAN AURORA PROGRAMME AND ITS NEAR-TERM ACTIVITIES .................................. 11 12 NEXT STEPS...................................................... 26 5.3 THE CLIPPER PROGRAMME ......................................... 13 6 EUROPEAN DRIVERS FOR SPACE EXPLORATION............ 14 13 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......................................... 28 7 EUROPEANS IN SPACE ......................................... 16 The Future of European Space Exploration TOWARDS A EUROPEAN LONG-TERM STRATEGY December 2005 Copyright: ©2005 The European Space Agency Reference number: HME-HS/BH/2005-001.II This document is the result of stakeholder consultation and studies performed by ESA in co-operation with several third parties throughout the year 2005. It does not represent an official view or statement of ESA, but will serve as a reference for further European Space Agency deliberations leading to the definition of a European long-term strategy for space exploration. Directorate of Human Spaceflight, Microgravity and Exploration Programmes 1 ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, NL-2201 AZ Noordwijk Postbus 299, NL-2200 AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands 1 Foreword European leaders and citizens, quite rightly, expect the space sector to sustain its record of technological innovation, industrial leadership and scientific excellence, For many years, Europe has been playing a leading role in while providing a positive vision of the future. Space explo- the utilisation of near-Earth space and the exploration of the ration should be a showcase for Europe, not only of its abil- universe. Spacecraft built by European companies and ity to master the required technologies and create new ones, launched by European rockets, as well as European but also of its ambition to transmit a message of cultural and contributions to cooperative projects, have provided major human values. Indeed, by targeting the search for life and benefits for the citizens of Europe and beyond, paving the extension of human presence into the Solar System, and the way for major advances in areas such as weather by making new territories accessible to humankind, space forecasting, land use monitoring, telecommunications, and, exploration represents a tremendous endeavour and a in the near future, global navigation with the Galileo unique tool to encourage and maintain public interest in constellation of spacecraft. Beyond the development of new investing in technology and to inspire new generations and technologies and commercial applications, space also offers attract them to scientific and technology-related studies. new opportunities in almost every field of scientific The younger generation will shape the society of tomorrow endeavour. on the basis of what they learn to value today. Exploration and human spaceflight are the most emblematic In order to achieve these goals, the European Space Agency aspects of the space endeavour. They respond to the deeply has recognised the importance of developing a strategy rooted desire of humankind to answer compelling questions for space exploration that will enable Europe to play a about the origins of life on Earth and its possible presence on recognised role in the context of a global space exploration other planets, to go beyond the limits of today's knowledge, effort in a fast-changing and challenging environment. to extend known boundaries and eventually expand human During the past year, ESA has consulted a wide range of presence in the Solar System. Great civilisations have been stakeholders in order to build the basis for the development of characterised by their will to explore the unknown, and a comprehensive, inspirational long-term strategy that Europe has a fundamental heritage of exploration since it offers numerous benefits for European and global society. has always played a leading role in its quest for the new This document explains how ESA envisages achieving these Daniel Sacotte, world. ambitious goals through the pursuance of four Director of Human Spaceflight, Microgravity and Exploration Cornerstones - themes that reflect the key societal Some 40 years of investment and innovation have principles that are the drivers behind the strategy. Much provided firm foundations for European space activities as work has still to be done to arrive at a consolidated we enter the 21st century, but we cannot sit back and dwell long-term strategy and this document will necessarily on past successes. Instead, we must adapt and evolve need to be modified and updated in the years to come. as challenges and opportunities for collaboration or However, I am sure that it will prove to be a valuable competition arise, whether from the ambitious space-faring reference source during forthcoming deliberations on the nations of Asia or new space initiatives in the United States future evolution of European space activities. and Russia. 2 3 2 Introduction initiated a process for the development of a long-term affordability, innovation, science coordination, strategy for space exploration to serve as a framework ethics and legal issues; for the future. In 2005, as a first step in this process, ESA set up a multidisciplinary scenario team to conduct broad • Next steps, proposing specific actions to In 2001, space exploration was identified by the ESA stakeholder consultations and invite various leading space support the consolidation and formal Member States as one of Europe's key priorities for the future. and non-space organisations to perform related studies. The endorsement of the European long-term strategy. As a result, it was decided to initiate a results of this work are summarised in this document, which preparatory space exploration programme, Aurora, with the will serve as a reference for further reflections and open aim of developing a coherent roadmap that would lead to discussions. It will form the basis for the development of a the in situ exploration of Mars. A European Space consolidated long-term strategy within the next two years, Exploration Programme defining the initial steps of a long- taking due account of the actions identified in this document term programme has been tabled for the ESA Council and the overall evolving context for the implementation of Meeting at Ministerial Level in December 2005. the European space exploration programme. Meanwhile, NASA has announced its intention to The document addresses in particular the: concentrate its efforts on a U.S.-led international programme that will see humans returning to the Moon • Preliminary recommended European vision before 2020. China, India, Russia and Japan have also and high-level requirements for space indicated their interest in lunar exploration and exploration; exploitation. • International context, summarising what is Against this background, it is essential that Europe known about international space exploration plans; continues planning for the future, developing a consistent reference framework which provides • European achievements and near-term perspective and orientation for future European activities; investments in space exploration. This will make it possible to align European stakeholders behind • European approach to space exploration, common goals, thus ensuring the stability of the defining key societal principles and analysing programme. It will also enable Europe to prioritise its European drivers; investments in line with the long-term strategic objectives and maximise the overall societal return. Such a • European strategic cornerstones, defining strategy would increase the visibility of Europe's role in space the goals, objectives, activity elements and exploration and make it easier to communicate this to the recommended near-term actions; general public, decision makers and international partners. • Implementation aspects, highlighting key Therefore, in parallel to the implementation of activities that elements to be considered for the will prepare for near-term exploration projects, ESA has implementation of the strategy in relation to 4 5 3 European Vision and • Sustainable Human Life in Space - create • Optimum utilisation of the International innovation to support and improve human living Space Station in preparation for the High-Level conditions; implementation of future exploration missions; Requirements • Sharing the Space Adventure and • Development and demonstration of innovative Benefits - fostering broad engagement