Step 0: Preparing for Exploration

The foundation of the strategy is low Earth orbit (LEO). Here, the International Space Station (ISS) will play a niche role in areas such as technology demonstration, scientific research, and commercialization. Inflatable structures that may be used as low-cost habitats on lunar and Martian bases should be tested in LEO aboard the Space Shuttle with a sub-scale "Testhab" prototype. An internationally coordinated commercialization plan should be developed to encourage and assist companies in utilizing ISS. This would be a step towards convincing industry to invest further in human space activities.

We found no requirement in the strategy for a post-ISS space station. It was concluded that automated docking and robotic systems are adequate for LEO spacecraft assembly. Transport to LEO should be conducted with reusable launch vehicles for small to medium payloads, and an Energia-derived heavy lift booster for large cargoes.

Robotic precursor missions link this step and the next. These include the Lunar Rover Race discussed later in this executive summary.

Step 1: Leaving low Earth orbit

The first step of the strategy consists of expanding human presence in the inner Solar System. This exploration program would first be carried out by a series of robotic missions that would characterize the extraterrestrial resources in order to prepare for eventual human missions to the Moon, near Earth objects (NEOs) and Mars.

Humans and robots would explore together in a concurrent partnership. Once the Moon has been adequately surveyed by the precursors, astronauts would at last return to the lunar surface. At the same time, precursors would continue to be sent to NEOs and Mars. These robotic missions will be followed by human exploration of these bodies.

Step 2: Development of Extraterrestrial Resources

The second step of the strategy focuses on the systematic utilization of the extraterrestrial resources surveyed in the previous step.

On the Moon, resources may be extracted from the lunar regolith or polar ice. Multiple human bases on the Moon could then be constructed.

Activities at these bases will include resource utilization, astronomy, life sciences, and perhaps tourism. NEOs can also be exploited for their mineral and possible water resources. We recommend that lunar and NEO mining operations be primarily robotic, with periodic human intervention for specific tasks such as maintenance. Mars has resources similar to that on the Moon and NEOs, as well as an atmosphere that may be used to produce propellant and water. Finally, its mineral resources, permafrost, and polar ice caps may also be utilized.

Step 3: Space Infrastructure and Beyond

Thanks to the resources at their disposal, human settlers in the inner Solar System will become self-sufficient and eventually expand. Several outposts will then be established on each celestial body, and these autonomous settlements will eventually form the basis of a "space society".

Such a space society would help ensure the long-term survival of humanity in two ways. First, such a society would have the technology to alter the trajectory of NEOs on a collision course with Earth. Second, the fact that humanity has spread out among many worlds will ensure that no single catastrophe, NEOs or otherwise, can wipe out human civilization.

With such an infrastructure in place, it may then be possible to contemplate a voyage to another star system in the far future. However, it is unlikely that such a mission would be feasible in the near to mid-term.

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