International Space Cooperation For Service To Humanity

Abstract

In December 1994 the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics hosted the Second Workshop on International Space Cooperation. Its theme was: ”Getting Serious About How”. A carefully selected, diverse group of more than sixty space sector experts from fifteen countries contributed their knowledge and experience to develop findings and recommendations pertinent to how international space cooperation projects might be implemented. Five areas of potential cooperation were selected for discussion by individual working groups; these covered Global Space Systems Services, International Cooperation for Peacekeeping, Cooperative Human and Robotic Exploration of Space, International Cooperation in Space Transportation and Solar Power to Earth.

Since the Workshop, the participants under a Follow-on Action Committee have worked to ensure that the results of the Workshop are considered by the world’s leaders, in the latters’ quest to find ways to expand the use of space for the benefit of all the people of Earth.

The paper begins with an outline of the Workshop, the resulting key findings and recommendations, and what has been done since the Workshop. The reaction of the world community to these efforts is reported.

Progress in three areas of potential cooperation pursued during and after the Workshop are discussed in greater detail in this paper. These are: Global Space Systems Services, International Cooperation for Peacekeeping, and Solar Power to Earth. These areas were chosen for greater scrutiny at the ISU Symposium since they provide readily recognizable tangible services to humanity.

Graham Gibbs is Head of the CSA Washington Office. He was the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the AIAA Workshop on International Space Cooperation, held in December 1994 and since then has been Co-Chairman of the Workshop Follow-On Action Committee. This paper is based on the results of the Workshop and follow-up that has taken place th help ensure that the results of the Workshop are considered by the world’ leaders for the benefit of humanity.