Given the gaps existing in current space strategies identified in section 2.1.1, this report presents a Step-by-Step Strategy that calls for a series of focused and fast-paced robotic missions to celestial bodies in the inner solar system followed by permanent human presence as soon as possible. The Moon, Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), and Mars are not considered steps in and of themselves but as part of the establishment of a robust infrastructure that addresses not only the scientific and technological aspects but also the legal, economic, and social aspects of human exploration away from Earth.

The Step-by-Step Strategy fulfills the mission objectives presented in the introduction. The strategy is ambitious enough to allow for technology developments and also to interest the greater public. International cooperation is considered absolutely necessary to meet the proposed challenge. However, the approach remains realistic and compatible with foreseeable technological developments, political involvement, and funding availability. The long-term vision must be understood as a way to drive the technological paths toward a common and ultimate goal: the emergence and survival of a "true" human space society.

The strategy is not rigid in the sense that every phase is dependent on the achievement of a previous one. On the contrary, although our strategy presents a consistent and logical roadmap, the major project achievements can be regarded as independent. The strategy seeks to ensure a coherent evolution in space exploration through programs conducted by national space agencies and international organizations.

The strategy considers humans and robots as partners working towards the common goal of interplanetary exploration. Humans build robotic spacecraft to conduct initial reconnaissance and test new technologies required to further human exploration. Once all the steps necessary for their safety have been taken, human space explorers use their unique curiosity and analysis ability to answer questions that robot cannot even think of asking. Humans call upon robots to assist them in various repetitious and dangerous tasks.

Chapter 2 presents the technological and scientific roadmap of our strategy. It also provides a global overview and justifications for the exploration plan. On the other hand, chapter 3 describes how the political, legal, economic, management and social aspects of the strategy are implemented. But first, we present here a summary of the exploration plan.

Step 0 - Preparing for Exploration

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is the foundation of the strategy. The strategy uses the International Space Station (ISS) as a unique platform to further the development of improved technologies for space exploration, scientific knowledge, and the commercialization of space. Transport to LEO will be conducted with reusable launch vehicles for small and medium-class payloads, and by an Energia derived heavy lift booster for large cargoes. This combination promotes versatility and controls cost by overlapping with the commercial market and using existing designs as a starting point. The development of a follow-on to ISS is not recommended, as it would not significantly benefit human exploration efforts. The strategy recommends the development of automated assembly technologies such as space robotics and automated docking systems.

Step 1 - Leaving Low Earth Orbit

The first step of the strategy consists of expanding human presence in the inner Solar System. Expanding upon the knowledge acquired during previous missions, the exploration program will first be carried out by a series of robotic missions that will characterize the extraterrestrial resources and select landing sites to prepare for eventual human missions to the Moon, NEOs, and Mars. Once the Moon has been adequately surveyed by the precursors, humans will at last return to the lunar surface. Among other things, early lunar settlers will test new technologies required for further expansion in the inner Solar System. At the same time, precursors will continue to be sent to NEOs and Mars. This wave of robotic exploration will be followed by human exploration of these bodies.

For ground transportation, the strategy recommends the use of rovers for the Moon and Mars, and that of "hoppers" for NEOs. Although they are best suited for transportation and power supply, nuclear systems are not recommended since they remain extremely unpopular with the public. In the interim, the strategy recommends using solar ionic propulsion for interplanetary cargo transport, and chemical propulsion for human-rated ships and fast cargo transit.

Step 2 - Development of Extra-Terrestrial Resources

The detection, extraction, processing, storage, and transportation of extra-terrestrial resources is mandatory for the establishment and growth of self-sustainable human settlements away from Earth.

On the Moon, the strategy recommends the implementation of multiple human settlements to address different purposes: resource utilization, space life sciences, astronomy, and preparation for longer-term human presence in space. The aim is to develop self-sustainable outposts and then to progressively increase human presence on the Moon.

Resource extraction and processing will be primarily robotic, except when human presence is necessary (e.g. establishment and maintenance of mines). In light of this, the strategy does not push for permanent settlements on NEOs because they mainly serve as mines and temporary scientific bases. In fact, if NEOs are found to be devoid of usable resources, they will only be explored for scientific purposes.

On the other hand, the strategy regards Mars as a base for scientific research in the areas of exobiology and planetary geology, and an attractive place for tourism and permanent colonies. Considering this, the permafrost, the polar ice caps, the atmosphere, and the soil will be used to provide materials, fuel, water, and oxygen for human usage. The strategy does not foresee any need to transfer resources from Mars to the Moon and to NEOs.

Step 3 - Space Infrastructure and Beyond

Permanent and self-sustained settlements on the Moon and Mars will progressively evolve into independent space societies interacting with one another. Technologies and infrastructure will be available for further business development on the Moon and on Mars, such as space tourism, if safety and cost effectiveness considerations are favorable.

Once the Moon and Mars are fully colonized, the technologies required for autonomous space travel will become available. Before highly efficient propulsion and power systems required for inter-stellar flight are available, the strategy proposes to develop an interplanetary spaceship housing hundreds of people. This trip foreshadows the achievement of the ultimate goal of expanding human presence away from Earth without limits.

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