IAA Cosmic Studies, Dynamics of Space Exploration: a final update

Abstract

The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Cosmic Study “Dynamics of Space Exploration and Outlook” aims at presenting a comprehensive space policy report on the domain of space exploration. The proposed vision for space exploration is bold, collective, holistic, paved with attainable milestones shared by the stakeholders and conceived in a sustainable manner. This new challenge relies on a sense of common commitment towards an integrated international effort. Such a shared space vision could be implemented via an International Space Exploration Council acting as an efficient planning and decision-making body. This Council would include high-level government officials, space agencies, space entrepreneurial entities, and representatives of the space industry, the scientific community and the civilian society from all spacefaring countries. Under this scheme, the Council would act as a top-down structure supported by bottom-up activities involving science/technology analysis and space architecture working groups. In this study we identify challenges and opportunities where the different space stakeholders can line up on a national and/or international basis. Particular attention is given to maximize as much as possible an integrated and collective approach, as well as to prevent, through appropriate mechanisms (typically a fail-safe approach), a defaulting partnership that could jeopardize the overall progress of a common undertaking. The role of the considered Council in reconciling the interests of “individual” countries and private pursuits is also discussed A progress report of this Cosmic Study was presented at the Heads of space agencies Summit in Washington DC in January 2014. A preview of the final conclusion and recommendations which incorporate 2014 up to summer 2015 updates on the changing space exploration context, sciences drivers for exploration, dynamics of exploration, legal and policy regime for exploration, and emerging challenges and opportunities is presented in this paper.