Representatives Of 11 Space Agencies From Around The World Continue Talks On Global Exploration Strategy
Washington -- Representatives of 11 space agencies from around the world gathered in Montreal July 10 - 12 to continue the
coordination of programs to extend human and robotic presence throughout the solar system.
In May 2007, multilateral space agency discussions resulted in the release of "The Global Exploration Strategy - The
Framework for Coordination."
The document is a product of a shared vision of space exploration focused on solar system destinations where humans may
someday live and work. It represents an important first step in coordinating space exploration efforts toward common
goals.
The framework envisions a coordination mechanism to facilitate international planning, leading to the establishment of
the International Space Exploration Coordination Group, or ISECG.
During last week's ISECG meeting in Montreal, hosted by the Canadian Space Agency, the participants made significant
progress on a number of areas that will facilitate cooperation.
Among the accomplishments were establishing an ISECG secretariat to be initially hosted by the European Space Agency;
plans for conducting effective public engagement; and development of tools for sharing information on exploration
capabilities and mission plans across agencies.
The participants also took initial steps toward identifying critical space infrastructure interfaces, such as between
spacecraft, lunar rovers and lunar habitats, which if standardized would increase opportunities for international
cooperation.
The agencies reaffirmed the importance of the steps taken in Montreal toward ensuring a comprehensive global approach to
space exploration and maintaining an open dialogue as the space exploration architecture planning of individual space
agencies moves forward.
Attending the meeting were representatives of Australia, Canada, the European Space Agency, France, Germany, Great
Britain, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Ukraine and the United States.
For more information on the Global Exploration Strategy, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration
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