United NationsOffice for Outer Space Affairs

Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: 2007

Fiftieth session (6-15 June 2007)

High-Level Panel on Space Exploration
Wednesday, 6 June 2007, 16:00 - 18:00

The last few years have seen a revitalization of robotic and human space exploration initiatives. Among several well-established and emerging space faring nations a consensus appears to have materialized that the time has come to prepare programmes and projects aiming at returning to the Moon with the long-term goal to eventually setting foot on Mars. Some commentators anticipate the coming of a new phase of space exploration. Non space faring nations may be more concerned with other aspects of space exploration activities, including the question of how advanced space exploration systems and technologies might contribute to addressing specific concerns, such as the need for clean energy and drinking water, the management of resources, tele-education and tele-health applications and capacity building, all in support of sustainable development. This Panel will discuss the multitude of motivations behind the ongoing and planned exploration efforts and provide a forum to address the following:

• Expose briefly the new era of space exploration activities which is about to start within the next decade, including short and concise descriptions of ongoing and planned programmes and projects.
• Reflect on the driving factors behind this new phase of space exploration, including reasons founded in national motivations, international politics, the aspiration for scientific excellence and technological leadership, and the expectation of certain economic benefits.
• Consider challenges and opportunities for international cooperation, including the participation of non-space faring countries and in particular developing countries. This may include reflections on what, if any, relevance space exploration activities have for these countries and how they could benefit, be it through the participation of their scientists or through the involvement of the younger generation, addressing issues of education and capacity building, as well as how they could actively contribute to space exploration initiatives.

Presentations