Session US4

US4 | Towards a new RoadMap for Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability in Space Exploration

Towards a new RoadMap for Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability in Space Exploration

Convener: Michel Blanc | Co-conveners: André Galli, Heather Smith, Maria Antonietta Perino, Bernard Foing

Tue, 05 May, 10:45–12:30 (CEST)

Room E1

Space exploration encompasses a broad range of activities, from preparatory and analogue work on Earth, through activities in LEO and to exploration of the different provinces of the Solar System. It is currently characterized by a new wave of Lunar missions, an expanding role of private players, and the participation of an increasing number of countries and space agencies. While this “New Space” context offers an increasing number of opportunities for geosciences and space-related sciences at large, it also comes with increasing threats on the environments of Earth and the Moon, and with strong requirements on a durable and sustainable perspective to space exploration, and on preserving the resources and unique scientific and cultural values of celestial bodies.
In this context, the Committee on SPAce Research (COSPAR) of the International Science Council (ISC) is actively preparing for its 46th Scientific Assembly in Florence a new edition of its RoadMap for Exploration, building on the strong legacy of the previous RoadMap “Toward a global space exploration program: A stepping stone approach”, by Ehrenfreund et al., published in 2012. The COSPAR Panel on Exploration (PEX) invites EGU26 participants to take advantage of this session to discuss the objectives and implementation means of the establishment at the international level of a “Virtuous Circle of Solar System Exploration”, which should connect Science, Exploration and Environmental Stewardship to build a sustainable future for space exploration.
We propose four goals for discussion of this new Exploration Roadmap:
1. Position space research at the forefront of the new multi-stakeholder era of space exploration;
2. Maximize the scientific return of space exploration programs via enhanced international cooperation;
3. Promote environmental stewardship of celestial bodies to preserve their environments, resources and cultural heritage;
4. Identify and promote new approaches to space exploration that will guarantee its sustainability.
We will discuss these goals with a panel of experts representing the different components of space exploration stakeholders. One of the objectives of the panel discussion will be to identify specific European views on and contributions to the design of a robust, sustainable and environment-friendly development of space exploration over the two coming decades.

The oral presentations are given in a hybrid format supported by a Zoom meeting featuring on-site and virtual presentations. The button to access the Zoom meeting appears just before the time block starts.