Michael Braukus/Grey Hautaluoma
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979/0668
michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov, grey.hautaluoma-1@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 08-174

SPACE AGENCIES 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 and Ukraine.

For more information on the Global Exploration Strategy, visit: