Any international strategy for human exploration away from Earth will depend on a support structure of methods, precedents, and relationships agreed to by all the participants. There are four pillars that make up the framework of this structure: science and technology, policy and law, management and finance, and public awareness and support. Each of these pillars not only supports the strategy, but as a whole they also dynamically grow stronger and more tightly integrated as the strategy develops step by step.

Science and Technology

Although human exploration may begin today with current technology, we recommend a modest and continuous program of basic science and research and development throughout the strategy. Each step in the strategy depends on new technology and provides opportunities for new science. In fact, establishing research facilities in space away from Earth is one way to increase the potential for scientific breakthroughs. This is not only due to the physical environment that will be opened up for study, but because of the unique change in perspective such a venture will offer. The strategy attempts to establish self-sufficient research bases at the earliest opportunity both to reduce costs (by reducing reliance on Earth), and to create an environment where innovation is crucial to continued success and growth.

Policy and Law

There are national and international legal precedents that affect the strategy in serious ways, but it is possible to work within this legal framework in the near future. Over the long term, the strategy calls for the potential evolution of these precedents as law adapts to a permanent human presence in space.

Management and Finance

The need for coordinated planning and management is provided through new international organizations such as an International Human Exploration Consultative Group. This is an ad hoc organization that provides an opportunity for making early steps towards an integrated exploration effort through informal discussion between major space agencies, non-governmental organizations, and major private companies.

Progression beyond planning requires increased political and financial capital and a corresponding increase in organization. The strategy does not recommend the development of a world space agency; however, we do favor the creation of several focused international treaty organizations, similar to INTELSAT. We see these organizations evolving over time to support stronger relationships required by the strategy.

Public Awareness and Support

The strategy and its supporting framework is not complete without the support of the public and a plan to include the participation of a wide variety of developed and developing nations. Thus chapter three concludes with a discussion on public awareness and a study of how a particular region, Asia, could contribute to the success of our internationally coordinated master plan.

Conclusion

Altogether, the integration of the strategy and its supporting framework create a coordinated master plan for future human space exploration and the establishment of a space infrastructure. Overall, our strategy provides the science, technology, legal precedent, public support, coordinated planning and integrated management required to make a successful international human exploration effort become a reality.

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