ISECG
1. What does ISECG stand for?
ISECG is the acronym for International Space Exploration Coordination Group.
2. What is the purpose of ISECG?
The purpose of ISECG is to provide a coordination mechanism through which individual space agencies may exchange information regarding interests, objectives, and plans in space exploration. It is the goal to strengthen both individual exploration programmes as well as the collective effort. Agencies agree that space exploration will be most successful if they coordinate their exploration activities. Furthermore, they look for ways to cooperate in the future and recognise the value of reaching a common understanding on many aspects that will inform future partnership opportunities. Communication within ISECG as well as its developed products are useful for informing agency decisions. ISECG’s scope also comprises promoting interest and engagement in space exploration activities throughout society. More about ISECG background: The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination.
3. Who can become a member of ISECG?
Membership in ISECG is open to space agencies and government organisations responsible for space activities. Individuals cannot become ISECG members.
The current members of ISECG can be found here: ISECG Members
If you are interested in more information about the ISECG membership please contact the ISECG Secretariat at isecg@esa.int
4. Is ISECG a governing body?
No, ISECG is not a governing body; it is a coordination forum. More information about ISECG scope and purposes can be found in the ISECG Terms of Reference.
5. How can academia and industry give an input to ISECG?
Academia and industry are encouraged to contact their respective space agency to consult on opportunities to support their ISECG involvement. Any information, input, or feedback can also be sent to the ISECG Secretariat at isecg@esa.int, which will, in turn, pass on the information to all individual member agencies for their consideration.
6. Are all the ISECG members currently involved in the International Space Station?
No. There are several agencies that participate in ISECG that are not International Space Station partners.
Global Exploration Roadmap (GER)
1. What is the purpose of the GER?
International partnerships have been and will continue to be essential for reaching ISECG participating agencies’ human space exploration objectives and it is important to engage in a dialogue that prepares for these ambitious future missions. Many exploration preparatory activities are underway around the world (i.e., technology development, International Space Station technology demonstrations, robotic missions, etc.), and ISECG participating agencies think there is an opportunity to inform and focus these preparatory activities. Therefore, the GER is the public product to reflect the compilation of international exploration plans and to outline conceptual forward-looking scenarios.
2. Does the GER represent a commitment by the participating agencies?
No. ISECG’s products are not binding; however, they can be informative by reflecting the emerging global consensus on space exploration-related planning. It maintains the framework for dialogue among international space agencies on the factors that ultimately will guide the definition of future partnerships. It enables agencies interested in future partnerships to discuss goals and objectives, needed technologies and potential mission scenarios.
3. How are specific missions or partnerships decided?
Agencies (and their respective governments) interested in partnering to implement missions like those included in the roadmap will ultimately make these decisions.
4. This document doesn’t include a full roadmap to Mars. Why not?
This effort represents the start of a human spaceflight roadmapping activity. Agencies expect the pathway to Mars will be guided by discoveries and enabled by today’s investments in advanced technologies, research and next-generation capabilities.
5. Are all the missions in the mission scenario graphics planned/funded/official?
Most of the missions in the next five years are funded and progressing toward the launch dates reflected. Some other missions are still undergoing final formulation by participating agencies.
7. Are there updates to the GER?
Agencies will continue their human spaceflight roadmapping activity within ISECG. The decision to release a new version of the document will be made when justified by the evolution of agencies policies and priorities. However, agencies are committed to sharing the results of their work in a transparent manner and continuing to use the GER to seek feedback and generate innovative ideas within the broader space exploration community.