The International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) is a forum of space agencies to advance the Global Exploration Strategy through coordination of their mutual efforts in space exploration (video).
ISECG is a voluntary, non-binding coordination forum of space agencies which:
- Exchange information regarding interests, plans and activities in space exploration
- Work together to strengthen both individual exploration programmes and the collective effort
Principles
- Open and inclusive
- Flexible and evolutionary
- Effective
- Supportive of mutual interests
Origin and foundation
In 2006, 14 space agencies began a series of discussions on global interests in space exploration. Together they took the unprecedented step of elaborating a vision for peaceful robotic and human space exploration, focusing on destinations within the solar system where humans may one day live and work, and developed a common set of key space exploration themes. This vision was articulated in The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination, which was released in May 2007. A key finding of this framework document was the need to establish a voluntary, non-binding international coordination mechanism through which individual agencies may exchange information regarding interests, objectives, and plans in space exploration with the goal of strengthening both individual exploration programmes as well as the collective effort. This coordination mechanism is the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG).
Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference for ISECG were formally adopted at the first meeting of ISECG held in Berlin in November 2007. The ISECG chair function rotates and is determined by consensus. The scope of ISECG is broad and strategic. ISECG focuses on the development through consensus of non-binding products for use by participating agencies – roadmaps, findings, recommendations, and other outputs as necessary.
ISECG products are developed by working groups whose themes extend into space exploration strategies, mission architectures, technologies, science, commercialization, public outreach, and the emergence of new space agencies. Dedicated teams support working groups, as required, on special subjects. The work is guided by regular meetings of the Senior Agency Managers (SAMs) and monthly plenary ISECG teleconferences. The degree of participation in ISECG working groups varies by agency and by product. As ISECG work is based on consensus among the members, all products developed at the working group level need approval by the ISECG plenary. ISECG is supported by a permanent Secretariat.
Joining
ISECG welcomes new members and is open to any government space agency interested in leveraging collaboration and partnerships to more easily achieve their space exploration goals and yield greater benefits to their communities on Earth. If you are interested in more information on how ISECG may benefit your agency or you would like to initiate the simple membership process, please contact the ISECG Secretariat at isecg@esa.int.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Links
- The Global Exploration Roadmap
- ISECG resources, where you find other documents like ISECG Annual Reports
- ISECG video
