In 2001, space exploration was identified by ESA Member States as one of Europe’s key priorities for the future and the European space exploration programme, Aurora, initiated. In the context of this programme, Europe is planning ahead for the future and developing a long-term strategy for space exploration which provides perspective and orientation for future European investments in space exploration. The underlying principle of the European strategy is to implement space exploration as a global and societal project contributing to societal development. Following this principle the development of the strategy is performed in close consultation with all key stakeholder groups and to this effect ESA has undertaken various stakeholder consultation activities in the last years. The fundamental motivation for an early engagement of stakeholders in the strategy formulation phase is to create the foundation for a sustainable European space exploration programme which creates value for the society. At the time of the International Exploration Conference a first version of the European long-term strategy for space exploration will have been developed. The key objective of this conference is therefore to share with the broader stakeholder community the outcome of consultations and work performed throughout 2006 and 2007.
It will address in particular:The broader societal relevance of space exploration based on principles such as inspiration, knowledge, innovation, competitiveness and cultural development.
Specific European interests and goals and the resulting European long-term scenario for space exploration.
The international scenario and the importance of broad international coordination of European space exploration activities with existing and new international partners who can contribute to the robustness and cost-effectiveness of the programme.
The focus of near-and medium term European and international exploration activities and the required means for exploration.
Scope
At the time of the International Exploration Conference a first version of the European long term strategy for space exploration will have been developed. The topics which will be addressed will be:
- The broader relevance of space exploration based on principles such as inspiration, knowledge, innovation, competitiveness and cultural development.
- The importance of broad international coordination of European space exploration activities with existing and new international partners.
- The specific European interests and goals and the resulting European long-term scenarios for space exploration.
- The focus of near and medium term European and international exploration activities and the required means.
- Reaching out to new stakeholder groups, not yet known to the space community, who may not know that they are stakeholders or even beneficiaries of space exploration and vice versa.
- Build a broad support base by creating awareness amongst current and new stakeholders groups.
- Create sustained interest and active support for space exploration as a societal project.
- Target each group with a specific tailored message to enhance understanding on space exploration and why it is important for society at large.
- Encourage continuity in relationships between institutions such as ESA and different stakeholder groups.