Together with 26 other space agencies, NASA participates in the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) to advance a long-range human space exploration strategy.
Created in 2007, ISECG is a non-binding forum in which participating space agencies share information about their space exploration plans, objectives, and interests with the goal of strengthening individual agency exploration programs and the collective effort. ISECG was established in response to “The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination,” developed by 14 space agencies and released in May 2007. This GES Framework Document articulated a shared vision of coordinated human and robotic space exploration focused on Solar System destinations where humans may one day live and work.
Over 15 years, ISCEG has grown to 27 international space agencies (in alphabetical order): AEB (Brazil), AEM (Mexico), ASA and CSIRO (Australia), ASI (Italy), CNES (France), CNSA (China), CSA (Canada), DLR (Germany), ESA (European Space Agency), GISTDA (Thailand), ISRO (India), JAXA (Japan), KARI (Republic of Korea), LSA (Luxembourg), NASA (United States of America), NOSA (Norway), NZSA (New Zealand), POLSA (Poland), PT Space (Portugal), ROSA (Romania), Roscosmos (Russia), SSAU (Ukraine), SSO (Switzerland), UAE Space Agency (United Arab Emirates), UK Space Agency (United Kingdom) and VNSC (Vietnam).
ISECG Resources
- 2017 – Scientific opportunities enabled by human exploration beyond Low-Earth-Orbit – An ISECG Science White Paper
- 2013 – Benefits Stemming from Space Exploration
The Global Exploration Roadmap
In January 2018, ISECG published the third iteration of the GER, followed by a supplement in 2020 that reflected a dramatic increase in the number of ISECG member agencies (from 15 to 27) and a globally intensified and accelerated drive toward the Moon. In 2022, ISECG updated the 2020 lunar supplement reflecting the latest agency schedules toward lunar exploration efforts and incorporating a new coordinated description of international science plans.
Download the 2022 GER Supplement here.
The GER is a non-binding document that space agencies co-author to foster coordination and partnership opportunities. The iterative development process of the GER demonstrates the growing interest in space exploration across the globe and emphasizes the importance of cooperation to realize individual and common goals and objectives for ISECG members.
“When NASA received direction to accelerate our plans to send the first woman and next man to the Moon by 2024 under the Artemis program, it provided both a definitive timeline for NASA and a rallying force across the globe,” said Tom Cremins, Associate Administrator for Strategy and Plans at NASA. “The nine new members recently joining ISECG reflect a growing global spirit of space exploration and these new spaceflight partners strengthen this momentous endeavor to return to the Moon—this time, for long-term science and exploration on and around humanity’s nearest celestial neighbor as well as sharing a vision for the future exploration of Mars.”
The GER is not only about lunar exploration. The document employs rich text, imagery, tables, and diagrams to articulate clear lunar science and exploration objectives that serve dual purposes of establishing common goals for the Moon while also preparing for the first human missions to Mars. The roadmap is consistent with member agencies’ capability and technology investments while also asserting NASA’s interest to remain a leader in space exploration.
GER Resources
- 2022 – GER Supplement
- 2020 – GER Supplement
- 2018 – GER third iteration
- 2017 – GER community workshop
- 2013 – GER second iteration
- 2011 – GER first iteration