Upon invitation from the US Department of State, government representatives from more than 30 countries met at the International Space Exploration Forum (ISEF) in Washington DC on 9 January. The full day meeting brought together Ministers and high-level officials to talk about the benefits of space exploration, the importance of international cooperation, as well as the opportunities and challenges they share. Through moderated sessions and individual statements, ISEF achieved a strong affirmation among governments that exploration and utilization of space benefit all mankind.
During the ISEF, the ISECG forum and its products were highlighted, including remarks delivered by the head of the Canadian Space Agency, the current ISECG chair agency. From the ISEF Summary, “ISEF participants supported the work of space agencies participating in the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) in developing a strategic roadmap for human space exploration documented in the 2013 Global Exploration Roadmap released in August. They welcomed an expansion of efforts to increase synergies between human and robotic missions to maximize the unique contribution made by each and their collective contribution to common goals. They recognized the value of the stepwise approach to exploration, enabling nations to demonstrate advanced space exploration capabilities through cooperative international missions which allow individual national priorities to be met while achieving shared long-term goals. They encouraged broadened participation in ISECG from additional space agencies.”
To download the ISEF Forum Summary click here
In addition, the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) organized an exploration conference and Heads of Agency Summit. For the IAA’s declaration resulting from these events click here