An assessment of prospects for international cooperation on the space exploration initiative

Abstract This paper discusses: the unique characteristics of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) which will have to be taken into account if the Initiative is to become an international one; the technical capabilities offered by prospective international partners; the political and economic prospects for proceeding with the Initiative both in the United States and elsewhere; the advantages and disadvantages of various possible approaches to international cooperation on SEI; and some of the key issues which will have to be resolved if SEI is to become an international activity. International participation in SEI appears to be a very natural extension of prior space cooperation. There are common interests with a number of potential partners, and a substantial technical capability available outside the United States. However, world-wide political and economic prospects for actually proceeding with the Initiative in the near-term are uncertain. Consequently, SEI preparatory activities are likely to extend over a several-year period. Such an extended preparatory period should provide the time needed for coordinating studies, for identifying interests and potential contributions, and for resolving the numerous planning, budgeting, organizational and political issues which will have to be dealt with if such a complex undertaking is to be successfully internationalized.