A GLOBAL SPACE CONGRESS

No single nation on planet Earth should dominate space, especially deep space.  The exploration of our solar system and beyond is and should be expanded to represent all nations of this planet.  We used the present tense in the preceding statement because the International Space Station is a great example of the global cooperation that must prevail in all our future space exploration efforts.

Our view is that efforts must be made now, not later, to organize what we describe as a Global Space Congress (GSC). This entity becomes the governing body of all space activities launched for the exploration of space. It includes and encourages commercial ventures in this regard through the issuance of specific exploration or service licences.  These two authorizations are explained below. Right now we will discuss the organization of the GSC

The Global Space Congress (GSC): Every nation on planet Earth is eligible to become a member of the GSC.  Membership is through representation by an elected/appointed delegate and staff from a country or, like the European Space Agency (ESA), a group of nations. The overall operation of the GSC is managed by an Executive Council.  The Executive Council is elected by a full majority of the GSC.  Leadership of the Executive Council is elected by the a total majority of the Executive Council members.  Both the Executive Council and its leaders serve at the pleasure of the GSC and for an eight year term.  The Executive Council appoints a variety of special committees all related to the overall space exploration mission of the GSC. All such committee appointments are subject to the approval of the GSC by a majority vote.

GSC Prime Functions: (1) The GSC, its Executive Council and Committees are responsible for the review and approval (licensing) of all space exploration and space service operations.  This activity results in a full coordination of scientific and technical programs in support of each approved mission. (2) The GSC and its special finance committee oversees and coordinates global funding for each approved mission. Additionally the GSC Science Committee coordinates and monitors the funding and progress of approved space science research projects.  These R&D projects are global in nature and do not include specific academic or commercial research projects that are not directly related to specific space exploration projects. Certain Astronomy and Astrobiology projects are two examples that could be independent of GSC control.

The above is a preliminary concept of those primary functions. It is anticipated that other prime functions will develop as the organization comes into existence and begins to operate.

Licensing: The GSC and its Executive Council/Committees are responsible for issuing licenses that authorize a joint venture space exploration mission that is comprised of both civil and commercial activities. This licensing is to insure that the goals of the GSC are respected and followed as well as the authorization of both funding and technical support for each approved mission. The licensing requirement also strives to control the spread of "space junk" in both low Earth orbits and in other planetary orbits within the solar system.

In some special cases, licenses will be granted to global commercial activities that are seeking to conduct business (mining,  tourism, etc) activities in both Low Earth Orbit and on specified planetary or asteroid bodies within our solar system. These activities could also include the design, construction and operation of space elevators and associated space stations that are operated on a fee basis in support of GSC approved space exploration programs.

Summary:  Yes, we can hear the clatter of both objections and questions. We understand and also acknowledge that the above is just an overview and does not go into the full and necessary detail of such an operation. That will come as part of the actual formation of the GSC.

We encourage each of you that visits this blog and especially this entry to post comments, questions, and suggestions. We ask that if you oppose the concept of a global space organization that you offer clear reasons why it should not be. We ask this because we think that a competition between nations of Earth for the exploration and "conquest" of space should not be the way we Earthlings go about getting acquainted with our solar system. Additionally, as we are already learning, no single nation or even a group of nations will have the financial resources to fund the level of space exploration that we should consider and strive for. Unity of purpose, resources and research and design ideas are essential if we are truly going to "go where no human has gone before."

Lastly, it is time that humankind comes together as we look to the next step in our evolution. The GSC concept and our joint exploration of space enables that grand accomplishment. On that day, when astronauts visit Mars or another planetary body, they do so "for all humankind" and in the process plant a flag that is an international symbol of the unity and peaceful purpose of this great and lovely planet. To life across the universe, our message: We are now one, and here we come - in peace!

CREDITS: The image of the ISS is courtesy of NASA.