The Global Exploration
Roadmap
January 2018

What is New in The Global
Exploration Roadmap?
This new edition of the Global Exploration
Roadmap reaffirms the interest of 14 space
agencies to expand human presence into the
Solar System, with the surface of Mars as
a common driving goal. It reflects a coordinated international effort to prepare for space
exploration missions beginning with the International Space Station (ISS) and continuing
to the lunar vicinity, the lunar surface, thenon to Mars. The expanded group of agencies
demonstrates the growing interest in space
exploration and the importance of cooperation to realise individual and common goals
and objectives.
This third edition of the Global Exploration
Roadmap reflects consensus about theimportance of the Moon on the pathway
to Mars and adds refinements in each stepalong this path as agencies continue to makeindividual and collective progress. The roadmap demonstrates how capabilities underdevelopment or study around the world could
enable a sustainable future of human and• A summary of the benefits stemming fromspace exploration. Numerous benefits will
come from this exciting endeavour. It is
important that mission objectives reflect thispriority when planning exploration missions.
• The important role of science and knowledge gain. Open interaction with theinternational science community helped
identify specific scientific opportunities
created by the presence of humans andtheir infrastructure as they explore the Solar
System. Although summarised here, detailsof this interaction have been published ina supplemental white paper on ScientificOpportunities Enabled by Human Exploration
Beyond Low-Earth Orbit which is availableat www.globalspaceexploration.org.
• The introduction of an international deep
space Gateway concept. The deep space
Gateway is a small human-tended facility around the Moon which will play an

China

CanadaAustralia

India

Russiarobotic space exploration. Refinements inthis edition include:

Italy

UkraineTHE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP

important role in sustainable human space
exploration. Initially, it supports human androbotic lunar exploration in a manner which
creates opportunities for multiple sectors toadvance key goals.
• The recognition of the growing private
sector interest in space exploration.
Interest from the private sector is alreadytransforming the future of low Earth orbit,
creating new opportunities as space agencies look to expand human presence into
the Solar System. Growing capability andinterest from the private sector indicate
a future for collaboration not only amonginternational space agencies, but also withprivate entities pursuing their own goals
and objectives.
ISECG space agencies envision a future of
expanding partnerships and collaboration,with an increasing number of actors, as ameans to realise the ambitious shared goalof sustainably expanding human and robotic
presence into the Solar System.

European Space Agency

Japan

United Arab Emirates

FranceRepublic of Korea

United Kingdom

United States

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Why We Explore

1

Chapter 2. The Mission Scenario

9

Chapter 3. Preparatory Activities 21
Chapter 4. Conclusion

29

THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPChapter 1:
Why We Explore“The Earth is the cradle of humanity,
but mankind cannot stay in thecradle forever.”~ Konstantin Tsiolkovsky

1

A Shared Roadmap for Expanding Human Presence into the Solar System
The International Space Station (ISS), continuously crewed since 2000, shows thebenefits and potential of human activity in low
Earth orbit. The ISS hosts ongoing scientificinvestigations sponsored by government andnon-government entities. Through international collaboration, over 2,100 such activities
have been implemented with more ongoing.
The ISS is an invaluable long-duration flightanalogue for future human deep space missions enabling research to address humanhealth and performance risks as well as
serving as a testbed for critical technologies.
It is also used for educational and outreachactivities, reaching millions of students andthe interested public around the world eachyear. Lastly, the ISS is facilitating the economic development of low Earth orbit, which
will remain an important destination for humanactivity and research in space.
ISECG space agencies envision that by themid 2020’s a Gateway in the lunar vicinity will
open the space frontier for human exploration of the Moon, Mars and asteroids as we
expand human exploration and commerce
into deep space. The Gateway will support
activities on and around the Moon while also
serving as a technology and operations testbed allowing human explorers to address thechallenges and risks of deep space exploration and conduct scientific investigation of ourSolar System.
Utilising the Gateway with a partially reusuable lunar lander (under study by JAXA,ESA and Roscosmos), human missions to thelunar surface are envisioned. These missions
will also advance some of the capabilities
and technologies needed for the explorationof Mars. Astronauts can advance the preparatory work of robotic missions in assessing
the potential for resources on the lunar surface and techniques for using them to make
exploration sustainable.

2 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPThis shared roadmap embraces government and private sector strategies for
expanding human presence in low Earth orbit, to the Moon and on to Mars.
Government investments in space exploration capabilities and missions serve
an important role by advancing technologies, reducing risks and identifying newmarkets where competition can spur innovation that generates further benefits.

Ambitious visions like the ones shown below
have the power to unite in a common cause andinspire future generations. Human space exploration has fascinated humanity since the start ofthe space age in the 1950’s and inspired a multitude of engaging visions, promoted by individuals,
space agencies and private sector entities. The
Global Exploration Roadmap is consistent withthese visions and represents a common pathway
which can enable their realisation.

The Global Exploration Roadmap represents a blueprint of next steps for thecurrent and next generation of explorers.
Governments, the private sector and academia
will determine investments and partnershipsthat can translate this blueprint into tangible
progress extending human presence, with theassociated benefits.

The Moon Village vision entails an incrementally growing ensemble of capabilities
for multiple uses and is open to multiple users.

The UAE vision of Mars 2117 will drive technologies for space exploration such asenergy, water and food security that will also benefit life on Earth.

CHAPTER 1

Expanding human presence into the Solar System has the uniquecapacity to inspire citizens around the world to create a better future.
The knowledge and technologies derived
from this endeavour expand our understanding of the Universe, create economic
opportunities and help address grand challenges faced here on Earth. A partnership
between humans and robots is essential to
the success of this venture. Robotic missions
accomplish world-class science while also
serving as our scouts and proxies, venturing
first into hostile environments to gather critical information that makes human explorationsafer. Humans will bring their flexibility,
adaptability, experience, dexterity, creativity,
intuition, and the ability to make real timedecisions to the missions.

The Global Exploration Strategy: the Framework
for Coordination, released in 2007, presents
a vision for globally coordinated human androbotic space exploration focused on Solar
System destinations where humans may one
day live and work. In this global vision, robotic
missions precede human explorers to theMoon, near-Earth asteroids, and Mars in orderto unveil many of their secrets, characterise
their environments, and identify risks andpotential resources. Human exploration thenfollows in a coordinated manner that is affordable and sustainable, which both benefits
and contributes to space agencies around theworld achieving their goals and objectives.

The ISECG was established in response to
the Global Exploration Strategy. The Global
Exploration Roadmap depicted below has
been developed to aid in turning this vision
into reality. While not committing individual
agencies to specific steps and activities,
the Global Exploration Roadmap serves asa reference for generating innovative ideas
and solutions to address the challenges
ahead together.

The Global Exploration Roadmap
2020

2030

2040

l of
e
Goa on th e
s
n
a
a
rf c
Hum tian Sur
Ma

ON TO MARS
Robotic Mars Sample Return

MARS SURFACEMARS ORBIT

Mars
Transportation
Capabilities

TO THE MOON
LUNAR SURFACELUNAR ORBIT

Mars
Orbital Mission

Robotic Resource Prospecting Missions

IN LEO
Human Lunar Surface Exploration

EARTH ORBIT

Deep Space Gateway
Orion
and SLS

Commercial
Transportation
Systems

Gateway Moon and Mars Mission Support Operations

Russian Crew
Transportation System

International Space Station
China Space Station
Future Platforms

3

The Benefits of Space Exploration: A grand endeavour pursued bynations seeking to gain new knowledge, inspire and drive innovations.
Human and robotic space exploration responds to the deeply rooted quest of humankind for answering questions on the origins and nature of life in
our Universe and extending human frontiers. Space exploration brings direct and indirect benefits to society. Benefits can be categorized into thesefundamental areas:

Innovation and Economic Growth. Space exploration is adriver for innovation. It has contributed advancements in technologies
touching every aspect of everyday life, from health and medicine, public
safety, consumer goods, to energy and the environment, industrial
productivity and transportation. Space exploration will continue to be an
essential driver of technology and innovative ideas, providing opportunities for other sectors to partner with the space sector on joint researchand development. For example, water recycling system innovations
required to support ISS have resulted in technologies and approaches
that are applied on Earth for conservation activities and in disaster relief
areas. Enhancements in water recycling and environmental control
needed for crew missions into deep space will improve these technologies for terrestrial use, returning these benefits to both the public andprivate sector. New technologies stemming from space exploration also
benefit other in-space applications for terrestrial use such as satellites
used for meteorology or communications.

In the last several years, job creation and economic growth have been
accelerated by private investments in the space sector. Private investments and competition are stimulating the economic development of
low Earth orbit, generating innovations that promise to make space
exploration more affordable and sustainable.

Knowledge Gain. The benefits from space exploration are rooted in
the generation of new knowledge, which is of intrinsic value to humankind. Scientific knowledge acquired from space expands humankind’s
understanding and frequently unlocks creative and useful Earth‐based
applications for society. For example, studies of the human body’s
response to extended periods in the microgravity environment of the
ISS are improving our understanding of the aging process. Fundamental
scientific studies of the Martian environment, its evolution and current
state represent important benchmarks of terrestrial planetary evolution,and hence, provide a model that scientists believe will aid our growing

Image Credit: Project neuroArm, University of Calgary

Image Credit: NASA

Image Credit: NASA

Advanced Medical Robotics: Canadian
medical robotics technology born of Canada’s space robotics designed by MacDonald,
Dettwiler and Associates, Ltd. (MDA) for the
U.S. Space Shuttle and the ISS, neuroARM(above) is the world’s first robot capable ofperforming surgery inside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and helps
neurosurgeons perform precise surgical
techniques with real-time imagery. A Guided
Autonomous Robot was also developed
using this technology and is in clinical trials.
It works inside an MRI machine and helps
surgeons locate and identify breast tumours
and perform highly dexterous, precise
movements during biopsies.

Remote Medical Care: Provision of medical care to astronauts in space has similar
challenges to that provided to patientsin disaster or remote areas on Earth likenorthern communities in Canada. Vastdistances and the lack of local access to
medical specialist expertise and analyticaland imaging capabilities make it a challenge
to diagnose and treat an injury or illness.
Exploration missions will have the additionalburden of not being able to evacuate sickcrewmembers back to Earth. Already today,
medical care has become more accessible
in remote regions by use of small ultrasoundunits, telemedicine and remote guidancetechniques pioneered for use on the ISS.

Water Purification: Whether in theconfines of the ISS or a tiny village in
sub-Saharan Africa, drinkable water is vitalfor human survival. Unfortunately, many
people around the world lack access toclean water. Using technology developed
for the ISS, at-risk areas can gain accessto advanced water filtration and purification
systems, making a life-saving difference inthese communities. The commercialisationof this station-related technology has provided aid and disaster relief for communities
worldwide.

4 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPCHAPTER 1

understanding of climate change processes on Earth. In the longer
term, the knowledge accumulated over many missions and the expansion of human presence into the Solar System will help people gain
perspective on the fragility and rarity of our ecosphere in the Universe
and on humankind’s accomplishments, potential, and destiny.

Global Cooperation: Partnership to Address Global
Challenges. Sustainable space exploration is an inherently worldwide endeavour. The challenges associated with extending humanpresence in a sustainable manner into space are driving the creationof new partnerships at all levels of society, including governmental,
industrial and academic organizations around the world. The ISS is an
exceptional example of how partners from different cultures can work
effectively together to advance common goals. Collaborative researchon the ISS in many disciplines has significantly multiplied the global
reach of results and knowledge.
Such global cooperation builds on each other’s interests, strengths
and capabilities, taking advantage of the opportunity to share views

and leverage both complementarity and diversity. Cooperation among
different stakeholders has generated synergies along the entire value
chain, including exchanging know-how on space project best practices,and spin-offs of innovative technologies. Newly forged global partnerships may offer resources for addressing the global challenges facing
humankind today and in the future.

Culture and Inspiration. Space exploration offers a unique andevolving perspective on humanity’s place in the Universe. It stimulates
curiosity and the ability to see the bigger picture. By uncovering new
information about the beginnings of our Solar System, space exploration brings us closer to answering profound questions that have beenasked for millennia: What is the physical nature of the Universe? Is thedestiny of humankind bound to Earth? Are we and our planet unique?
Is there life elsewhere in the Universe? The excitement and enthusiasm
generated by space exploration attracts young people to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and increases public
interest and support of science and exploration. Motivating our youth to
study and achieve is a common desire shared by all nations.

Image Credit: CNES and ESA

Measure of Bone Architecture and Bone
Quality: During spaceflights, astronauts
present a fast bone loss, about ten times
faster than the fastest similar processes on
Earth. Space research has contributed tobetter understand the effects of mechanical constraints on bone loss. The ERISTO
project, co-founded by CNES and ESA,
has enabled the development of innovative
tools to measure bone architecture andbone quality that are currently used preand post-flights as well as for the routine
practice of clinical medicine.

Earth Observation: Images from orbit can help with rapid response efforts to floods, fires,volcanic eruptions, deforestation, harmful algal blooms and other types of natural events.
The ISS passes over more than 90 percent of the Earth’s populated areas every 24 hours.
An imaging system aboard the station, ISS SERVIR Environmental Research and Visualization
System, captured this photo of Mt. Etna, Italy.
For more information on space exploration benefits:
CNES: https://cnes.fr/en/page-intermediaire/CNESMAG
CSA: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/about/everyday-benefits-of-space-exploration/
ESA: http://youbenefit.spaceflight.esa.int/
ISECG: http://www.globalspaceexploration.org
JAXA: http://iss.jaxa.jp/kiboresults/benefits/
NASA: https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2017/index.html
Roscosmos: https://www.roscosmos.ru/
5Goals and Objectives
Recognising the importance ofdelivering benefits to stakeholders, space agencies haveidentified five common space
exploration goals and associated objectives. These goals
and objectives reflect the integrated nature of science andexploration and also build on
the synergies that exist between
human and robotic space explo-

Expand Human Presence
into the Solar System

Understand Our Placein the Universe• Ensure continuity for human spaceflight and continued utilisation of low
Earth orbit• Study the origin and evolution of the
Earth and the Moon system, the Solar
System and the Universe• Enable sustained living and working
around and on the Moon

• Search for evidence of past or present life and the origin of life on Earth• Enable sustainable human missions
living and working around and on Mars

• Investigate habitability of potential
human destinations

ration missions. The formulationof goals and objectives is an
iterative process that reflects
ongoing refinements as agency
priorities evolve.

Image Credit: UAE

Image Credit: NASA

Image Credit: CEA

Culture and Inspiration: Space is inspiring
young men and women to pursue careersin science, engineering and technology.
In the space sector of the United ArabEmirates, over 40% of the workforce arefemale. Since 2000, the UAE has carriedout an extensive range of space activities
with ambitions set significantly higher for
the future. The development and use of
space technology will contribute to thediversification of the national economy.

Temperature-Regulating Fabrics KeepBabies Comfortable: Like ice cubes in adrink, phase change materials absorb heatas they change from solid to liquid, and,if exposed to colder temperatures, they
release that heat as they refreeze. Phasechange material advancements driven by
spacesuit needs led to the creation of fabrics incorporating phase change materials,
most recently commercialised by San Francisco-based Embrace Innovations in wraps
and blankets that help keep babies at an
optimal temperature.

Mars Science: The French ChemCam
instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory, Curiosity, fires a laser and analyses
the elemental composition of vaporisedmaterials on the surface of Mars. Mars has
the greatest similarity to Earth in past andcurrent planetary processes, and may havethe best record of when life started in our
Solar System and of catastrophic change
in planetary evolution. As we learn more
about Mars (surface, interior, atmosphere,hydrosphere and potential for supporting
biology) our understanding of the Earth andpotential risks to this amazing planet will
be dramatically improved.

6 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPCHAPTER 1Engage the Public• Inspire and educate• Create opportunities for participationin space exploration• Deliver benefits to society

Stimulate Economic Prosperity

Foster International Cooperation• Promote industrial capability andcompetitiveness for space exploration• Encourage and embrace the participation of nations in space exploration
initiatives• Facilitate the development of commercial markets at exploration
destinations• Promote collaboration with the private
sector• Promote interoperability to increase
opportunities for international
partnerships

Image Credit: ACCESSNew Materials for Better Planes: The
investigation of new metallic alloys suchas titanium aluminide onboard the ISS
as well as relevant techniques for theirutilisation has contributed to the development of new turbine blades for the Airbus
A320neo. These titanium aluminide blades
are significantly lighter than the usual
blades, while showing great strength andlittle corrosion. With the new material, jetengines are quieter, more fuel efficientand eco-friendly.

Plant Research: Innovation in meeting human needs by more efficient use of mineral,water, energy and food resources. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO) has an extensive program in plant research and works closely withindustry. CSIRO is the federal government agency for scientific research in Australia. In
September 2017 the Australian Government announced the formation of the AustralianSpace Agency heralding a new future for Australian space development.

7

8 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPChapter 2:
The Mission
Scenario“The journey of a thousand miles
begins with one step.”~ Chinese Proverb

9In Low Earth Orbit, to the Moon, on to Mars
Several ISECG space agencies are developing
human space exploration capabilities required
to venture out beyond low Earth orbit inpartnership. For NASA, these initial enabling
capabilities consist of a heavy lift launchvehicle (the Space Launch System/SLS), an
explo­ration crew vehicle (Orion), and updated
ground launch systems. NASA’s Space
Launch System provides a critical heavy-lift
capability powering people and cargo to theMoon and beyond. It also opens new possibilities for other payloads, including robotic
scientific missions to places like Mars, Jupiterand beyond. Offering the highest-ever payload

mass and volume capability and energy todramatically reduce travel times to deep spacedestinations, SLS is designed to be flexible
and evolvable in order to meet a variety ofcrew and cargo mission needs.
The Orion Spacecraft is built to take fourcrewmembers farther into space than everbefore. Orion will serve as the exploration
vehicle that carries crew beyond the Earth andprovides safe reentry at the high-return velocities typically needed for deep space missions.
The Orion service module is built in Europe
and provides in-space propulsion capability,

attitude control, power, water and oxygen
needed for a habitable environment.
Russia will begin testing a new crew transportation system in the early 2020’s. Initial
flights to the ISS will demonstrate the new
system that will eventually be used for missions to the Moon. By the end of the 2020’s,
the Russian super-heavy launch vehicle withthe crew transportation system will be readyfor human flights to the Moon. Prior to this,several robotic precursor missions will explore
the Moon’s surface and test technologies as apart of the Russian lunar program.

Sustainability Principles
The following set of principles guide development of the Global Exploration Roadmap.
They represent attributes of a sustainable human space exploration endeavour.
• Affordability – Innovative approaches
to enable more with available budgets
Cost must be a consideration when formulating exploration programmes as well as
throughout programme execution. Architectures should favour reusable and reliablein-space systems implemented in partnershipto share cost.

• Capability Evolution and Interoperability – The step-wise evolution ofcapabilities with standard interfaces
Building upon existing capabilities andincreasing performance with each step. Using
common interfaces and modular architectures
facilitates addition of new partners, reduces
mass and increases safety.

• Exploration Benefit – Meet exploration
objectives and generate public benefits
Sustainable human space exploration must
respond to exploration goals and objectives
and provide value to the public and otherstakeholder communities. Synergies between
space and other domains are crucial.

• Human-Robotic Partnership – Maximise
synergies between human and robotic
missions
Combining the unique and complementary
capabilities of humans and robotic systems
enables a greater set of goals to be met
effectively, cost-efficiently and safely.

• Partnerships – Provide early and sustained opportunities for diverse partners
International cooperation is critical for
enabling and sustaining increasingly complex
exploration missions. Collaborations should
consider the long-term interests of eachpartner, large or small. Collaborations withthe private sector, where goals align, canenable new approaches and create markets
for services to support space exploration.

• Robustness – Provide resilience to technical and programmatic challenges
Plans and actions must have flexibility tocope with unplanned changes or crisis situations, whether due to catastrophic events,changes in partner priorities, adjustments inavailable funding or the evolution of objectives. Dissimilar redundancies of critical
functions should be applied early, wherepracticable.

10 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP

Orion Spacecraft, NASA, with service
module provided by ESA.

Russian Crew Transport System,
Roscosmos.

CHAPTER 2

The Mission Scenario
The ISECG Mission Scenario reflects planned human and robotic missions, as well as conceptual missions under study. While not all agencies
will participate in all missions, this mission scenario shows an international collaborative effort and consensus on steps to achieving the common
horizon goal of human missions to explore the surface of Mars. It recognizes the shared importance of low Earth orbit and lunar exploration to thesustainability of the endeavour.

ISECG Mission Scenario
2020
Mars 2020
ExoMars

MARS SURFACEInSight

MARS ORBIT

2030
Mars Sample Return

HX-1
EMM Hope

Mars Orbiter
Mission–2

Mars Moons
eXploration

Deep Space Gateway
Buildup over series of flights

EM-1(uncrewed)

Chandrayaan-2

Polar Sample Return

Chandrayaan-2

Chang’E-4 Chang’E-5

EM-2(first crew)

Luna 26 KPLO

LUNAR SURFACE

Checkout at Gateway

SAMPLE RETURN

LUNAR ORBIT

Mars Transport Capabilities

Luna 25 SLIM

Additional Crew &Small Cargo Missions

Human LanderStaged at Gateway

JAXA’s Resource
Prospector
Additional Crew
and Cargo Missions

Luna 27 Resource
ISRU Demo
Prospecting Mission

Lunar Polar Missions
NASA SLS& OrionCommercial
Transportation
Systems

Russian Crew
Transportation
SystemPlanetary Rovers
Robotic
Demonstrator
for Human Lander

Mobility & Habitation

Sample Return Mission

LEGEND
Human Mission with Cargo
Cargo Missions

International Space Station
China Space Station
Future Platforms

Robotic Mission
Commercial launchers not shown

The key steps for expanding human presence shown in the ISECG Mission Scenario:• Low Earth Orbit: Validate needed deep space technologies and capabilities, provide continuity for research in low Earth orbit• Robotic Missions– Demonstrate technologies for human missions– Perform surveys or sample returns for science as well
as resource and environment assessment• Lunar Vicinity: Establish a platform (deep space Gateway)– Learn more about living in deep space– Operate robotic missions to and on the lunar surface– Stage crewed missions on the lunar surface (Human Lunar Lander)– Enhance science of the Moon and the Solar System– Assemble and check-out of the transport vehicle to Mars

• Lunar Surface Missions: Establish a lunar surface capability– Support lunar science– Prepare and test mission operations for subsequent human
exploration of Mars and/or long-duration human activities
on the Moon
– Understand the potential economic implications of lunar
development and/or commerce• Humans to Mars: Enable sustainable human missions to Mars
– Missions to Mars orbit and surface

11

LOW EARTH ORBIT

Low Earth Orbit: Human activity is here to stay.
THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATIONThe ISS provides a variety of equipment andsystems to support advanced research anddevelopment activities. There is equipment tosupport life sciences, physical sciences andmaterials science research. Examples are
on-board capabilities for rodent research, protein
crystal growth, DNA sequencing, cubesat andsmall spacecraft deployment and additive manufacturing equipment. A steady stream of logistics
flights brings equipment to the ISS and returns
investigation samples to support timely opportunities for research and analysis. Information on
available resources and equipment can be foundat www.nasa.gov/stationfacilities and on
individual ISS partner agency websites.
New research modules on the Russian segmentof the ISS will expand the opportunities forresearch and technology demonstration. New
commercial capabilities, including Europeanand US capabilities, are also being added. New
US crew and cargo transportation sys­tems are
anticipated in the future, providing increased
access and beneficial conditions for users.
These new crew transportation systems will
join the Russian Soyuz which has been essential to ISS operations. These are examples ofthe benefits of international partnership.

12 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPThe ISS is a useful platform for performing
Earth science, heliophysics, and astrophysics. The ISS is also an essential platform toprepare for human space explo­ration andmuch work remains to be done. Human
research and exploration technology demonstrations are a significant focus of activity
onboard the ISS. Maturing life support
systems from the ISS state of the art tothe performance and reliability requirementsof exploration missions is a high priority
for several space agencies.
The ISS serves as an innovation platform
where governmental and non-governmental
entities alike are exploring opportunities in
low Earth orbit. Entrepreneurs, innovators,
pharmaceutical companies and other con­sumer product researchers are all attracted
to low Earth orbit for its potential to leadto new products, markets and services.
Over 600 payloads have been delivered to
the ISS for such purposes. These developments appear to indicate that private sector
demand, in addition to space agency demandfor humans and their infrastructure in low
Earth orbit, will continue far into the future.

International Space Station partner agencies
are committed to operation of ISS until at least
2024 and potentially beyond.

JAXA’s water recovery system technology
demonstration will be delivered to the ISS
in 2018.

NASA demonstrates 3-D printing on the ISS.

CHAPTER 2

THE CHINESE SPACE STATIONIn September 2010, the Chinese government
approved the implementation of their spacestation project. China’s Space Station projectis organised in two phases: the first phaseincludes the Space Laboratory; the second
phase includes construction of a Space Station.
The Tiangong 2 Space Laboratory was launchedin September 2016. Then, the Shenzhou-11
crewed spacecraft and cargo spacecraft dockedwith it. The China Space Station consists ofa core module and two specialised modules.
The China Space Station will have an orbital
inclination of 42 degrees and an altitude ofapproximately 340-450 km. The station has adesign life of 10 years with the ability to extend
service life through maintenance. After the construction is completed, two or three astronauts
will live and work continuously for long durations, with the station supporting a maximumof six people during periods of crew rotation.
The station is equipped with an external roboticarm and other equipment to support station
construction, maintenance and operations.
The Space Station phase is divided into three
sub-phases. In the key technical verification

phase, the test core module is launched andmultiple pilot and cargo spacecraft launches
test the core module to validate astronaut
long-term presence, regenerative life support
systems, flexible solar wing and drive mechanism, control of a large flexible structure,and space station assembly. Following thiskey technical verification phase, the two
specialised modules are launched completingthe construction phase. During this period,
a number of Shenzhou crewed and cargospacecraft will be launched to support thecompletion of construction tasks and carryout scientific and technological experiments
simultaneously.
When the Space Station construction tasks
are completed, the operations phase begins.
The astronaut crew will conduct long-duration
missions to conduct scientific and technological research and exploration activities.
On the basis of the existing three-module
configuration, an additional docking interface
is available with the capability of docking an
additional permanent element. The Space
Station can accommodate other countries’

spacecraft access that meets the standardsof China’s space station and can also beequipped with an external experimental platform and experimental equipment. Additional
modules may be added to the Space Stationin the future.
The main scientific research and application
directions of the Space Station are: space
medicine, space life science and biotechnology, microgravity fluid physics, spacematerial science, microgravity basic physics,
space astronomy and astrophysics, spaceenvironment and space physics, aerospacecomponents, space geosciences and applications, space-based information technology, new aerospace technologies and new
applications in space applications.
International cooperation can be based on
module level cooperation, on other countries’
spacecraft visits, on astronaut joint flights,
and on cooperation in space science andspace applications research.

FUTURE PLATFORMS
Several private sector companies haveannounced concepts for commercial platforms, which could be human-tended, to offer
services to a diverse set of non-gov­ernmentand government users. In addition to government users, demand is expected to comefrom private companies conducting researchor in-space manufacturing, tourism, and othercommercial initiatives that benefit from accessto low Earth orbit. The availability of a private
sector platform or platforms in low Earthorbit where government sponsored research
can be accomplished will be a consideration
related to ISS lifetime decisions. Ensuring thecontinuity of human spaceflight is anothermajor consideration as it is critical to maintainthe industry capabilities, technologies andinspirational and aspirational momentum for
future generations.
Some agencies are studying future platform
designs in order to understand future possibilities, either to be realised through government
investment or in partner­ship with private sector entities. For example, a post-ISS Russian
orbital station concept, aimed to continue thesuccess of the ISS and to provide transition
to low Earth orbit utilisation with a wide rangeof benefits for humanity, as well as to create
additional opportunities for partnership, isbeing studied. The goals of these studies areto understand the major characteristics of auser-driven plat­form, and assess possible
government roles in promoting their availability.

ISECG space agencies are increasingly vocal
about their need for continued access to low
Earth orbit beyond the ISS lifetime. Several
have announced commitments to continue
research and astronaut development activities with the hopes that these will pro­vide
encouragement to private sector entities
studying future platforms. ISECG spaceagen­cies acknowledge significant developments in the private sector and welcome theemerging space economy around humans
and their infrastructure in low Earth orbit
as several agencies expand their focus withgoals and resources toward human exploration of the lunar environment, Mars andother destinations.

13

LUNAR VICINITY

The Lunar Vicinity: The next step for advancing and sustaining
human space exploration goals.
Both the orbit and the surface of the Moon play important roles insustainable human space exploration. A small human-tended facility
placed in the lunar vicinity enables human and robotic lunar exploration
in a manner that creates opportunities for multiple users to advance key
goals and foster a burgeoning presence of humans in deep space.
In particular, a human-tended facility in the lunar vicinity enables:• Reusability: The lunar vicinity is an excellent location for staging
and refurbishment of reusable elements for exploration of the Moon
and Mars. The location contains stable orbits which are outside ofEarth’s deep gravity environment and provides a convenient jumping off point for reusable robotic and human lunar landing systems
including refuelling and servicing between missions.

Lunar Vicinity Orbits Support a Variety
of Exploration Objectives
Balancing orbital energy between the Earth and the Moon
gravity wells, and maintaining favourable communications
and thermal attributes, are important considerations for lunar
orbit locations. The most promising locations consist of afamily of halo orbits around the collinear Earth-Moon Libration points that pass within a few thousand kilometers of thelunar surface every seven days. From this home-base orbit,
the Gateway will be relocated within the lunar vicinity, reachingother orbits in support of exploration and objectives while testing
advanced propulsion technologies needed for space exploration.

14 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP• Testing: Deep space electric propulsion systems can be tested.
Also, the environment of the lunar vicinity is equivalent to what astronauts and spacecraft will experience in deep space. Technologies,
procedures and risk management protocols can be tested in relative
proximity to Earth in case of an emergency. Prior to departing for
2-3 year missions to Mars, in-space capabilities can be tested toassure flight readiness.
• Accessibility: The lunar vicinity is reachable by government andcommercial launch transportation systems promoting robustness andopportunity. There are many possibilities for commercial services
and collaborations between government and the private sector.

CHAPTER 2

An international deep space
Gateway to the Moon and Mars
A conceptual international deep space Gateway is the next piece of thearchitecture that enables a sustainable and affordable future for humanspace exploration. The first element of the deep space Gateway will bea module that uses a high-power solar electric propulsion system andprovides power, command and data services to the rest of the platform.
The Gateway will include habitation capabilities to support a crew, ascience airlock, a robotic arm and capability for spacewalks. The Gateway will provide communication to Earth and the surface of the Moon,
opening up new opportunities for robotic exploration of the scientificallyinteresting lunar far side and polar regions.
Gateway assembly and operation will be supported by Orion and theSpace Launch System, as well as other space transport systems. Initially, it will be visited by a crew of four for missions of a minimum of
30 days at a time. Initial 30 day missions may increase in frequency
and length of time as the Gateway evolves and additional transportation
systems become available.
The conceptual Gateway includes interfaces for installation of futureadvanced closed loop life support systems, allowing for testing of new
systems and longer crew stays at the Gateway. Gateway crews will

A concept for the deep space Gateway.
perform science, assess habitation capabilities for future missions,and investigate exploration technologies requiring the deep spaceenvironment for testing. Private entities may also utilise the Gateway
through public private partnerships. When uncrewed, the Gateway willcontinue to support science and other activities operated from Earth.
Lunar exploration studies by JAXA, ESA, CSA and Roscosmos makeuse of the Gateway for support to reusable human lunar landers androbotic exploration of the Moon. The Gateway and its crew can provide
services and support for future transportation systems heading to Mars.

Science enabled at an international deep space Gateway
The lunar vicinity is a vantage point from which to conduct scientific observations of the Moon, the Earth, and the Solar
System, using instruments externally mounted on the Gateway. A Gateway can be used to receive scientifically valuable
samples from the lunar surface as well as other Solar System destinations. The Gateway can act as a communication
relay for smallsats, cubesats and lunar surface assets. The Gateway enables human physiology experiments in a deep
space environment. The lunar surface could be explored remotely using tele-robotics, including deployment of complex
surface scientific instrumentation.

Contributions to Mars Mission Readiness• Transport spacecraft assembly and checkout• Demonstration of deep space transportation and habitation capabilities• Autonomous crew operations protocols• Demonstration of operations with reduced supply chain• Radiation protection strategies• Perfection of tele-robotics techniques• Demonstration of vehicle servicing and refuelling

15

The Lunar Surface: A series of missions to the lunar surface with
4 crew to explore a cornerstone for Solar System discovery andprepare for Mars.
While conducting scientific study of the Moon with capabilities that can evolve for Mars exploration, space agency
investments will advance technologies and buy down the risks which will enable sustained lunar surface operations
led by governments or the private sector.
From the Gateway, lunar surface missions can feature:• Reusable lunar landers: shifting cost from developing recurring units to enabling other elements suchas an in-space refuelling infrastructure.
• Decreased risk by making the Gateway available as a crew safe haven in a surface abort scenario.
• A crew of four to maximise exploration return and provide flight opportunities for many partners.
• Advancing and augmenting in-situ resource utilisation activities started by lunar robotic missions.

Potential Landing Sites:
The Moon is scientifically diverse with many places to explore. Interesting locations include the lunar poles (both north and south), volcanic deposits, impact
craters and basins, and lava tubes or pits. The ability for pressurised rovers tomove large distances on the surface between crewed missions would enableregional scientific exploration.

SPAB NWSPAB Interior
SPAB West

Antonaidi

Schrödinger
SPAB Basin Ring

South Pole

16 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP

Malapert

CHAPTER 2

An international architecture for Human Lunar Exploration
Staged at the deep space Gateway, the partially reusable lunar lander would deliver a crewof four to locations on the lunar surface which will be chosen for high scientific and exploration
value. When the crew lands on the surface, two relocatable rovers (first generation designs of
the future Mars rovers) and supplies to enable an extended stay will be waiting for them. Exploringby day, analysing and planning by night, the crew will gather scientific samples and demonstratein-situ resource utilisation techniques for the extended 42 day mission (two Moon days, one
Moon night). The rovers are moved to meet the next crew, performing science along the way.

Robotic Demonstrator for
Human Landing Mission

Human Lunar Elements
4 Crew Reusable Ascent Module
3.7 t Dry
6.2 t Bi-prop
9.9 t Total

Descent Module & Cargo Lander• Demonstrating critical components of crewed
lander and rover• Building confidence for operations on the surface
and in transit to the Gateway

5.4 t Dry
19.7 t LOX/CH4
25.1 t Total
10 t Cargo

2 Crew Pressurized Rover (x2)• Delivering of samples from unexplored lunar
regions to the Gateway

5 t each

Lunar Science
The Moon preserves many of the geologic processes that occurred early in our Solar System and during the period when life formed. It preserves a recordof the impact history over geologic time. Such records have been obliterated on planetary bodies that are active and have atmospheres. The Moon alsopreserves a record of the Sun’s activity in its regolith and the early evolution of terrestrial planets. Volatile deposits at the lunar poles may contain a recordof the volatiles transported to the inner Solar System. The radio-quiet lunar far side enables astrophysical investigations into the earliest stages of our universe through the deployment of radio telescopes. Human presence on the Moon would permit detailed geologic mapping, the collection of critical samples
for analysis in Earth-based laboratories, and the emplacement of delicate instrumentation, including seismometers and other geophysical instrumentation.

Contributions to Mars Mission Readiness• Lander: Liquid Oxygen/Methane engine demonstration, safe ascent from surface and rendezvous with return spacecraft• Rovers: Long-distance and long-duration mobility, habitation capabilities in dusty environment• General: Demonstration of safe sample return to Earth, in-situ resource utilisation techniques• Power: Advanced nuclear power systems

17Mars: Captivating people all over the world, human explorationof Mars would enable detailed in-situ scientific study of the planet
and drive technologies for Earth and space exploration.
To achieve this ambition, the necessary capabilities should be developedin an order that logically fits the evolution of missions of increasing duration, complexity and distance from Earth. At minimum, six elements are
required to send humans to the Mars surface and back:1. A deep space transportation vehicle, leveraging work on ISS
and investments in the deep space Gateway
2. An entry-descent lander, leveraging investments made for robotic
landers and the human lunar lander
3. A Mars ascent vehicle capability, leveraging investments madefor the lunar ascent vehicle and Mars sample return
4. Surface habitat and utilities, leveraging investments made for lunar
vicinity and surface habitation and power generation
5. Mars surface mobility (EVA and rovers), leveraging investments
made for lunar vicinity and surface EVA and rovers

6. Sufficient reconnaissance (orbital and ground) necessary to support
human base selection and to inform engineering development of all
Mars mission elements

Science opportunities at Mars
Mars has the greatest similarity to Earth in past and current planetary processes, and may have the best record of when life started in our Solar Systemand of catastrophic change in planetary evolution. Robotic missions have shown that Mars has significant amounts of buried water which is promising forthe possible existence of life (past and/or present) and the support of future human explorers. Exploration of Mars will result in answers to profound scientific and philosophical questions such as: How did life start in our Solar System? Did life exist on Mars and does it exist today? What can we learn about
Earth’s past and future by studying Mars? Building on over 50 years of robotic-enabled science, and eventually sample return, human explorers on thesurface of Mars will be critical to revealing the subtleties needed to answer these complex and fundamental questions. Humans will make possible intelligent sampling in geologic context, iterative environmental field investigations and sample preparation/analyses. Humans will advance a multi-disciplinary
set of scientific objectives, such as investigations into astrobiology, atmospheric science, medicine, and geoscience.

With capabilities to travel to Mars, it will be possible to visit some asteroids in their native orbits. These remnants of early Solar System formation
have scientific interest and may hold resources which will be useful in the future.
Science opportunities at Near-Earth Asteroids
Near-Earth asteroids exhibit considerable diversity within their population and have witnessed events and conditions throughout the history of the Solar
System. Human exploration of asteroids will permit placement of complex instruments on the asteroid surface, as well as the ability to sample surface
and subsurface sites to obtain information on the ancient history of the Solar System that larger and evolved planetary bodies have lost. Samples thatare carefully chosen by a trained explorer can also help us better understand the thousands of meteorites we already have available for study by scientists, providing geologic context to meteorites that have formed much of the paradigm for the origin of the Solar System. We will also work to better
understand the internal structures of Near-Earth Asteroids, a vital part of the puzzle needed in order to develop mitigation strategies for addressing
threats from an Earth-bound asteroid.

18 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPCHAPTER 2

Robotic Exploration Missions
Planned future robotic missions to the Moon and Mars are important for answering new science questions and closing strategic knowledge
gaps related to human space exploration. The agency-led missions referenced below will be joined by numerous other robotic missions andcubesats planned by public and private organisations. ISECG space agencies have worked with relevant groups to identify strategic knowledge
gaps associated with the Moon, asteroids and Mars, which can be accessed at www.globalspaceexploration.org.
Future Lunar Robotic Missions
MissionAgencies/Launch Date

Objectives/Strategic Knowledge Gaps Addressed

Chandrayaan-2

ISRO/2018

Polar scientific orbiter, lander, and rover.

Chang’E-4

CNSA/2018

Far side scientific lander and rover. Communications relay satellite.

Chang’E-5

CNSA/2019

Near side sample return.

KPLO

KARI/2020

Polar scientific orbiter.

Luna 25/Luna Glob

Roscosmos/2020

Lunar volatile prospecting. Soft landing technology demonstration.

SLIM

JAXA/2020

Technology demonstration.

Polar Sample Return

CNSA/around 2020

Polar volatiles sample return.

Luna 26/Luna-Resurs
OrbiterRoscosmos/2022

Polar scientific orbiter. Polar volatiles mapping.

Resource Prospecting
MissionNASA/early 2020’s

Polar science, volatile prospecting and acquisition. Drill technology demonstration.

JAXA’s Resource Prospector JAXA/early 2020’s

Polar lander and rover. Polar science and volatiles prospecting.

Luna 27/Luna-Resurs
LanderRoscosmos, with ESA/2023

Polar science, volatile prospecting and acquisition. Drill technology demonstration.

ISRU Demo

ESA/2025

ISRU technology demonstration.

Korea Lunar Lander

KARI

Technology demonstration.

Luna 28/Luna Grunt

Roscosmos

Cryogenic polar volatiles sample return.

Mars Sample Return
Mars sample return is a high priority for the global planetary science
community. It will advance our search for life in the Solar System. The
mission will also address key decadal survey priorities and allow us tounderstand the mechan­ical properties of the soil/dust and potential healthhazards. It will also inform techniques for roundtrip human missions.
Under NASA leadership, mission concepts are under study. At a conceptual
level, a sequence of three missions is envisioned to collect samples, placethem into Mars orbit, and return them to Earth. This modular approach isrobust, with each mission possessing a manageable number of engineering challenges. The approach also allows the sample return campaign
to proceed at a pace determined by available funding and international
involvement. The study of Mars as an integrated system is so scientificallycompelling that it will continue with future missions implementing geophysical and atmospheric networks, providing in-situ studies of diverse sites andample opportunity for additional investigations to be accomplished before
the arrival of humans to the surface of Mars.

Future Mars Robotic Missions
MissionAgencies/Launch Date

Objectives/Strategic Knowledge Gaps Addressed

InSight

NASA, with CNES, CSA, DLR/2018

Subsurface geothermal gradient/seismology and internal structure of the planet. Identification of seismic risk at the location. Weather station to monitor weather conditions.

ExoMars

ESA/Roscosmos, with ASI, CNES,
DLR, NASA, UKSA and Spain/2020

Rover with 1.5m drill with instruments to search for bio-signatures,subsurface hydrated materials and very shallow ice.

Mars 2020

NASA, with CNES, ASI, Norway andSpain/2020

Oxygen processing demonstration, caching samples for later return to Earth.

EMM Hope

UAE Space Agency/2020

Synoptic weather views moving through all times of day.

HX-1

China/2020

Orbit, landing and roving mission. Investigate topographical and geological features,
physical fields and internal structure, atmosphere, ionosphere, climate and environment.

Mars Orbiter Mission-2

ISRO/2022

Orbiter to study the surface and sub-surface features, mineralogy composition andupper atmospheric processes.

Mars Moons eXploration JAXA with CNES, NASA and otheragencies/2024

Sample return from one of the two moons to progress our understanding of planetarysystem formation and primordial material transport.

1920 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPChapter 3:
Preparatory
Activities“Man cannot discover new oceans
unless he has the courage to lose
sight of the shore.”~ André Gide21

Private Sector Initiatives and Partnership Opportunities
The last five years have seen significant growth in private space
exploration activities. Emerging commercial ventures, start-ups, small
and medium enterprises, as well as large aerospace companies areaiming to benefit from increased interest and commercial potential as
human presence in space is expanded. These developments are notlimited to low Earth orbit. Numerous initiatives have early stage private
funding to advance technologies and system concepts that will help
make the exploration and economic development of the Moon, asteroids
and eventually Mars, both affordable and achievable. For example,

motivated by the Google LunarX Prize, several teams have developed
small lunar landing and roving devices that represent capabilities which
could be purchased to achieve commercial or space agency objectives.
Asteroid mining concepts have illuminated the resource potential ofthese celestial bodies. These initiatives are a significant factor in government planning for future exploration. They present opportunities
for public-private partnerships that will help achieve ambitious space
exploration goals and objectives more cost effectively and contributeto affordability of the global space exploration endeavour.

Private sector innovation is a necessary component of making humanspace exploration sustainable and contributing to the opening of newmarkets and economic expansion.
Space agency planning for human exploration can already anticipate
opportunities for public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening
the missions defined in this roadmap. Looking one step beyond, theavailability of commercial services and capabilities may influence architectures and mission approaches. For example, the ability to purchasepropellant around the Moon, should it develop, will certainly impact
exploration architectures. Agencies are interested in the following:
1. Space capability development partnerships that lead to the availability of capabilities or services supporting exploration missions:a. Cost-sharing to realise a capability or future service that would
support government and other customers. Examples may include
power, fuel supply, robotics assembly and servicing, lunar surface
mobility, etc.

An illumination map of the resource-richareas near the Moon’s south pole. Thismap was created from thousands ofimages taken throughout a lunar year by
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

22 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP

b. Government contribution of technical expertise, facilities, hardware
or software to the partnership2. Commercial space services:a. Delivery of logistics to the deep space Gatewayb. Communication services
c. Delivery of instruments or logistics to the surface of the Moon
and Mars
An international consensus exists on the value of government/private
sector partnerships. Agencies welcome private sector efforts and theinnovative ideas that result. Strengthening the space exploration community and promoting the development of new markets in space arekeys to a sustainable human space exploration effort.

CHAPTER 3

In-Situ Resource Utilisation and the Lunar Poles
For several decades, the use of local resources
at exploration destinations has been studied asa way to limit the cost and complexity of bringing all the needed supplies from Earth. Water
is a high priority resource, as it can be used
for life support consumables and the production of rocket propellant. While water exists
on Mars and asteroids (as ice or in hydrated
minerals), the nearness of the Moon and thepresence of water ice at the lunar poles has
placed the exploration for lunar polar volatiles
as a high priority for ISECG agencies. Studyof lunar volatiles also opens up new avenuesof scientific research; such as where do thewater and other volatiles come from? How did
they become concentrated in the permanently
shaded regions?
Other resources, including bulk regolith
for construction and radiation shielding,solar-wind implanted gases, and the many
chemicals and minerals that make up thesurface materials on the Moon, Mars andasteroids may also be valuable for sustained
long-term human presence.

Resource Prospecting
Finding useful resources and understanding
their grade and tonnage is one of the important first steps in determining their potential.

Subsequent missions could then conduct
more intensive characterisation at the mostpromising sites, determining the grade andtonnage of water ice deposits. Space agency
missions may be supplemented by targeted
instrument delivery by commercially available
lunar landers.

Resource Acquisition and Processing
Demonstrations
Several upcoming robotic missions include
capabilities to acquire and process local
resources. Drills and science instruments on
Roscosmos’s Luna 27 and NASA’s resource
prospecting mission will demonstrate thethermochemical extraction of water from lunar
regolith. ESA is also funding an ISRU demonstration mission with a commercial partner toproduce water or oxygen on the Moon. NASA’s
Mars 2020 will collect the Mars atmosphere andthen electrochemically split the CO2 molecules
into oxygen and carbon monoxide.
If the use of lunar volatiles and other spaceresources is proven to be economically advantageous, it is envisioned that commercial
companies will collaborate with ISECG agencies in public-private partnerships to develop
a space-based industry of in-situ resource
utilisation.

Luna-27, near-term lunar polar volatiles
prospecting mission.

Exploring and Using Lunar
Polar Volatiles
ISECG space agencies have beenworking together to better understandthe potential of lunar polar volatiles.
International virtual workshops open
to all have been held to share information and seek consensus on next
steps. A website has been developed
to share information on the current
agency activities and a reference
library. The website can be accessedat https://lunarvolatiles.nasa.gov/.

ISECG agencies with lunar polar robotic missions are working on a coordinated strategy
to explore multiple sites of high interest where
orbital data indicates the presence of water
ice. By targeting different sites on the lunar
surface, the first missions to reach the lunar
poles will take one or more of the measurements listed below to allow comparison ofsites for their resource potential:• Bulk Hydrogen within 1 m of the surface• Volatile inventory• Geological context• Geotechnical and physical propertiesof the site

JAXA’s Resource Prospector Mission is a mission under study.

23

Advanced Technologies
Each step in expanding human presence beyond low Earth orbit relieson the readiness of new capabilities and technologies. As no single
agency has the resources to develop all those critical capabilities,
appropriately leveraging global investments in technology development
and demonstration is important. Although technology development
is a competitive area, space agencies seek to inform their technology
investment planning, create synergies and maximise their readinessto play a critical and visible part in the exploration endeavour.

Identification of Critical Technology Gaps: Space agencies
have identified a list of critical technologies related to the missions
shown in the Global Exploration Roadmap that are currently not available or need to be developed or matured. These technologies are
considered technology “pulls” and can be mapped to corresponding
agency technology development activities. By mapping critical technology needs to agency technology development activities, gaps can be
identified. The Critical Technologies table shown on page 23 summa­
rises many of the critical technology gaps. Technology needs for Mars
vicinity/surface missions are the main driver and early availability ofsome of the technologies will enhance exploration of the lunar surface.

• Dust mitigation technologies are a key enabling factor to perform
extended duration lunar surface missions. While viable technology
solutions have been identified by experts, there is a need for the maturation of related technologies to support both lunar and Mars missions.
No single technology completely solves the challenges of dust, butrather a suite of technologies will be required to address them.
• Autonomous systems enable the crew to conduct operations undernominal and off-nominal conditions independent of assistance from
Earth-based support. Advances in electronics, computing architectures and software that enable autonomous systems to interact withhumans are needed and can be leveraged from commercial markets
to support maturation of needed capabilities.
• Tele-robotic operations with time delay can make human-inthe-loop commanding and monitoring of robots at remote distancesless effective. For safety and efficiency with time delays greater than
five seconds, it is recommended that robots be operated as autonomously as possible. Terrestrial applications in this area are welladvanced but on-orbit applications need to be matured.

Assessing and Closing Technology Gaps: The listed critical

Partnerships: Terrestrial commercial applications are well devel-

technologies identify a large spectrum of challenges needed to close
the gap between the state of the art and the technology required forthe specific mission. The majority of these technologies are actively
being pursued by multiple ISECG agencies with a robust level of investment and are envisioned to be sufficiently advanced by current orplanned technology development activities. Several other technologies
are advancing forward, but with more moderate levels of investment,
meriting attention to ensure readiness. However, some critical technologies do not yet show a clear path to closure and need particularattention by the space exploration community and would benefit
strongly from coordination and collaboration.

oped in several areas related to critical technologies. Fostering
partnerships among government and commercial organisations will
advance critical knowledge and accelerate the demonstration of
spin-in technologies in space in order to verify the performance in aflight environment and identify unknown issues specific to operations
beyond low Earth orbit. Partnerships can also lead to valuable expe­
rience and knowledge gap closures, especially in the developmentof standards and common interfaces.

Detailed gap assessments of selected critical technologies haveshown that:• Liquid Oxygen/Methane propulsion technologies can make useof in-situ propellant production, lead to improved performance,and leverage fluid commonality. Technology gaps that need to beaddressed include throttleable engines, thrusters with integrated
cryogenic feed systems, long-duration reliable cryogenic refrigeration systems, and high performance pressurization systems that
improve storage density and reduce mass.

24 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPCSIRO Autonomous Systems Research.

CHAPTER 3
The following table highlights technologies identified by the ISECG as critical for future exploration missions. The target performance for eachtechnology is based on preliminary analysis for human Moon and Mars missions, and may change as the analysis is iterated further. There aretechnologies where the state of the art is sufficient for near-term lunar operations and opportunities exist to demonstrate advancements neededfor Mars. For the full Critical Technology Portfolio: www.globalspaceexploration.org
Global Exploration Roadmap
Critical Technologies(Summary Table)
Propulsion, Landing, Return
In-Space Cryogenic Acquisition& Propellant Storage

Today

Near-Future

ISS

Moon

Mars

& Spaceflight Heritage

Vicinity/Surface

Vicinity/Surface

Spacecraft: CPST/eCryo demo

Liquid Oxygen/Methane Cryogenic
Propulsion

Futureu-G vapor free liquid tank to propulsion transfer, Efficient low-power LOx & H 2 storage >1 Yr (Mars)
Throttleable Regen Cooled Engine for Landing(Lunar Scale)

Throttleable Regen Cooled Engine for Landing(Mars Scale)

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment

Large Robotics >1000 kg;
Human ~40,000 kg

Mars Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL)Spacecraft: MSL class (~900 kg)

Precision Landing & Hazard AvoidanceSpacecraft: Lunar & Mars
Landers State-of-the-Art

Robust Ablative Heat Shield Thermal
Protection

Spacecraft: Orion Heatshield
test flight (EFT-1)~1000 W/cm2 under 1.0 atmosphericpressure~2,500 W/cm2 under 0.8 atmosphericpressure

Electric Propulsion & Power Processing

Spacecraft: 2.5 kW thruster(Dawn)~10 kW per thruster, High Isp (2000 s)(for some mission options)~30-50 kW per thruster(for some mission options)

ISS: 7.5 kW/PanelHigh Strength/Stiffness Deployable,
10-100 kW Class (for some mission options)

Autonomously Deployable, 300+kW Class(for some mission options)

Autonomous Vehicle System Management

ISS: Limited On-Board Mgmt
functions, < 5 s comm delay

On-Board Systems Mgmt functions(handles > 5 s comm delay)

On-Board Systems Mgmt functions(handles > 40 min comm delay)

AR&D, Proximity Operations, Target
Relative Navigation

ISS: Autonomous docking

High-reliability, All-lighting conditions, Loiter w/ zero relative velocity

Beyond-LEO Crew Autonomy

ISS: Limited Autonomy

Automate 90% of nominal ops
Tools for crew real-time off-nom decisions

ISS: MTBF <10 E-6,
Monitored/operated by GC

More robust & reliable components (eliminate dependence on Earth supply logistics)
Increased systems autonomy, failure detection capabilities, and in-flight repairability

Mid & High Class Solar Arrays~100 m accuracy, 10’s cm hazard recognition,
Support all lighting conditions

Autonomous Systems

Life Support
Enhanced Reliability Life Support
Closed-Loop Life Support
In-Flight Environmental Monitoring

ISS: 42% O 2 Recovery from CO 2,
90% H 2O Recovery
ISS: Samples to Earth

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment

O 2 /CO 2 Loop closure; H 2O Recovery further
closure; Solid Waste, reduce volume/storage

On-Board Analysis for Air, Water, Contaminants

Crew Health & PerformanceLong-Duration Spaceflight Medical Care

ISS: First Aid+, return home

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment

Training (pre & in-flight) for medical aspects
Continuous monitoring & decision support

Long-Duration Behavioral Health& Performance

ISS: Monitoring by Ground

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment

Cognitive performance monitoring
Behavioral health indicators & sensory stim.

Microgravity Counter-Measures

ISS: Large treadmills,
other exercise equipment

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment

Compact devices to assess/limit disorders
Reduced weight/vol. aerobic & resistive eqpt.

Deep Space Mission Human Factors& Habitability

ISS: Large crew volume, food &consumables regular resupply

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment

Assess human cognitive load, fatigue, health
Optimized human systems factors/interfaces

Space Radiation Protection (GCR & SPE)

ISS: Partially protected by EarthApollo: (accepted risk)

Advanced detection & shielding
New biomedical countermeasures

Infrastructure & Support Systems
Ground (DSN): 256 kbs Forward,
10 Mbs Return Link

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment

Forward: 10’s Mbps; Return: Optical > 1Gb/s

Adaptive, Internetworked Proximity
Communications

ISS: Limited capabilities

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment>10’s of Mbps simultaneously between users
Multiple Modes; Store, Forward & Relay

In-Space Timing & Navigation

ISS: Limited to GPS range
Spacecraft: DSN Ranging

Demonstration of advanced technology
in deep space environment

Provide high-spec Absolute & Relative pos’nSpace-Qualified clocks 10x-100x beyond SOA

Low Temperature & Long-Life Batteries

ISS: Lithium-ion (-156 C shortduration), ~167 Wh/Kg

Lunar night temperatures and duration

Comprehensive Dust Mitigation

Apollo: limited 3 day crew ops
Rovers: limited mitigation

Low-Temperature Mechatronics

ISS: +121 to -157 C

High Data Rate (Forward & Return Links)

Multiple Active & Passive technologies required
Significant advances in Life cycle
Operations to -230 C (cryo compatible); multi-year life

ISRU: Mars In-Situ Resources

Potential Test-Bed for Mars Forward,
and enhance lunar missions

O 2 /CH 4 generation from atmosphere
LOX/LH 2 generation from soil

Fission Power (Surface Missions)

Potential Test-Bed for Mars Forward,
and enhance lunar missions

Fission Reactor (10’s of kWe)

EVA/Mobility/Robotic
Deep-Space Suit

ISS: EVA Ops at 0.3 Bar (4.3 Psid)

Surface Suit (Moon & Mars)

Apollo: 3 day max (Lunar)

Next Generation Surface Mobility

Spacecraft: Lunar and Mars
Rovers State-of-the-Art

Tele-robotic Control of Robotic Systems
with Time Delay

ISS: <1-10 Sec delay for GC Ops
Spacecraft: Lunar/Mars Rovers

Robots working side-by-side w/ crew

ISS: Limited (Robotic support to EVA)EVA Ops at 0.55 Bar (~8 Psid), extended EVA lifecycle
On-Back regen CO 2 & humidity control, High Specific-Energy Batteries
30 day min duration, improved lower torso
mobility, dust tolerant

1 year+ duration, thermal insulation(CO 2 atmosphere)

Autonomous & Crewed capability, less Ground Control
Extended range, speed, payload; navigate soft/steep varying soils
Few seconds to 10’s of seconds
Dynamic environments w/variable delays & LOC

Up to 40 Minutes

EVA control robots w/ no reliance on Ground Control
International standard & protocols

25

Managing Human Health and Performance Risks for Space Exploration
Long-duration missions and planetary operations entail numerous risks
that must be understood and mitigated in order to maintain the healthand productivity of crew members. The five human spaceflight hazards
that need to be considered for any deep space exploration mission are:

4. Gravity – The different levels of gravity will affect many of the humanphysiological systems.
5. Environment – hostile and closed environments will affect the overallliving environment (e.g., toxicology, microbiology, etc.).

1. Radiation – in deep space, radiation exposure is a top concern.
2. Isolation – psychological stress associated with limited space andgroup dynamics.
3. Distance from Earth – some operations in deep space, such as
medical activities and procedures, are a challenge.

To address these challenges, agencies are actively performing studies
in laboratories, ground analogues and on board the ISS and other flightplatforms, including the deep space Gateway.

On the Ground
Isolation facilities are used for studies on
behavioural performance. The facilities being
used include the Human Exploration Research
Analogue in Houston, Texas, and the Instituteof Biomedical Problems Ground-based
Experimental Complex in Moscow, Russia.
Other important ground facilities are located inEurope. These facilities host studies of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular deconditioning
and psychological effects of long-term confinement. One example is the MEDES, an
institute for space medicine and physiology
in Toulouse, France.

In Flight
Numerous studies are ongoing onboard
the ISS. Information on past and present

NASA’s Human Exploration Research
Analogue is used several times per year tounderstand and test mitigation strategies
for human performance risks.

26 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP

studies can be found at https://www.nasa.
gov/mission_pages/station/research/and http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/
Human_Spaceflight/Research.

Today, bioanalytical and biomonitoring capabilities in space are limited. Canada is focusing on
in-space analysis capabilities to remove theselimitations. One example is a bioanalyser for
space that can measure different populationsof blood cells and measure diverse proteinsin a single sample. This eliminates the needfor storing samples and speeds the analysis.
Another is a garment that can continuously
collect an array of physiological data which is
being developed for testing on ISS. An earlyversion of this garment, Astroskin, has beenused in isolation experiments on Earth. Canada
is also developing a simple, robust technology
to isolate biomolecules or cells of interest inorder to enhance research capabilities on
ISS and support science and medicine for
future space exploration. Italy developed andpositively tested on the ISS (VITA mission) a
payload consisting in a garment containing
water as shielding material against radiation,
and a portable bioanalyzer enabling direct
analysis of samples, rather than collecting andstoring samples that will be analyzed upon
their return to Earth.

Aquapad: During the ISS Proxima mission,
CNES, in partnership with the bioMérieux
company, tested a technology to detectmicrobial contami­nation of water. The
technology, which is simple and can be
stored in ambient condi­tions, has beenused on Earth for the detection of cholera
in high-risk locations.

JAXA’s Multiple Artificial-gravity Research
System is a rodent habitat for ISS. The
system includes a centrifuge that allows
studies from 0 g up to and including 1 g.
This capability enables investigations
comparing gravity effects on animals inthe same space environment with gravity
as the only variable.

The first one-year mission has completed
and preliminary results are interesting. Most
notably, gene expression in space is altered,
thereby opening new research possibilities aimed at mitigating health effects oflong-duration spaceflight and with potential
applicability to terrestrial health.

CHAPTER 3

Analogues to Simulate Exploration Destinations and Missions
In addition to analogues used for human health studies, other sites and facilities are in use today by space agencies around the world to simulate avariety of scientific, technical and operational activities in preparation for eventual exploration missions. Agencies are regularly sharing information
related to planning of so-called “analogue” deployments and their associated lessons learned in order to maximise the usefulness of these activities.

Technology Development Analogue
Tests. Developing new technologies to

Analogue Tests of Science Operations
and Techniques. Achieving the goal ofaccomplish the challenging missions in space
can have the added benefit of stimulating new
economic opportunities on Earth. The German
Helmholtz Alliance “Robotic Exploration ofExtreme Environments” (ROBEX) is one example of a collaboration between explorers fromtwo different worlds – space and deep sea
research. Sixteen research institutions, universities, and commercial companies cooperate tofind solutions for autonomy, navigation, power
management and communication for not only
future lunar missions but also applications at
the bottom of the world’s oceans.

learning more about our place in the Universe
will require human and robotic missions ofincreasing scope and complexity. In manycases, this leads to programs with significant
international collaboration. One of the mostcomplex and highly anticipated robotic missions
on the horizon is the return of surface samples
from Mars. The Canadian Space Agency
recently completed a two-part analogue
mission, the Mars Sample Return Analogue
Deployment, simulating the sample cachingand sample collection elements of this mission architecture. An international team ofcollaborators, including NASA/JPL, the UKSA,DLR, seven Canadian universities, and three
American universities, participated in these
deployments, involving simultaneous activities
in both Canada and the United States.

Training, Public Engagement, andOutreach. Agencies carry out many of their

DLR’s rover during the ROBEX analogue
deployment on Mt. Etna, Italy.

HI-SEAS is a martian simulation on theslopes of the Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii.

analogue missions in a way that can be readilygrasped by the general public while acquiring
meaningful information for the programs they
support. Analogues are also being used to
draw in the next generation of scientists andengineers to add a practical facet to classroom

The CSA’s Mars Exploration Science Roverduring the Mars Sample Return Simulation.

learning. The previously described Canadiananalogue relied on a large contingent of students as an integral part of the accomplishing
simulation goals. NASA’s Revolutionary
Aerospace Systems Concepts – Academic
Linkage program recently hosted a competition for engineering students to conceive anddemonstrate innovative means for drilling into asimulated Martian ice deposit and withdrawing
water – simulating new approaches to in-situ
resource utilisation for future human missions –using approaches with a logical path to flighthardware. The two and one half days of the final
competition was streamed live over the internet
on a variety of platforms. This event generated
over 1.5 million views on social media platforms.

Supporting Decisions Among Options.
Analogues provide a cost-effective meansof providing information to support strategic
decisions: from top-level architecture options
to lower-level system or subsystem options.
For example, ESA’s Multi-Purpose End-To-End
Rover Operations Network (METERON) experiment ANALOG-1 (scheduled for mid-2019) is
designed to generate quantitative information
supporting decisions regarding human-robotic
coordinated operations, with a specific focus
on the HERACLES mission.

Revolutionary Aerospace Systems
Concepts – Academic Linkage project
engages students and the public.
27

28 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPChapter 4:
Conclusion“Space is indifferent to what we do; it has no
feeling, no design, no interest in whether or not
we grapple with it. But we cannot be indifferent
to space, because the grand, slow march ofintelligence has brought us, in our generation,
to a point from which we can explore andunderstand and utilise it. To turn back
now would be to deny our history,
our capabilities.”~ James A. Michener29This large cliff is part of the crater wallof Antoniadi, a crater within the greatSouth Pole-Aitken basin on the Moon. The
uppermost crater rim rises almost 4km
above the crater floor. The floor itself happens to be the lowest topographic regionof the entire lunar surface.
30 THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAPThe Global Exploration Roadmap reflectsinternational efforts to define a sustainable
pathway for human exploration of the Solar
System, with Mars as the horizon goal.
International cooperation will not only enable
these challenging missions, but also increase
the probability of their success. Over time,
updates to this roadmap will continue toreflect the efforts of space agencies to collaboratively develop exploration mission scenariosand coordinate their preparation.
Since its inception, space exploration has
produced numerous benefits for humanity.
Innovation and economic growth have resulted
from efforts to solve the challenges of space
exploration. Knowledge gained has driven scientific and technological innovation that continues
to contribute to new products and services forspaceflight and terrestrial application. Space
exploration stimulates curiosity about our placein the Universe, impacts culture, and inspires

people on Earth. Overcoming the challenges
and realising the capabilities needed to explore
will bring nations together with the capacity toaddress shared challenges and opportunities.
Decisions regarding implementation of specific mission scenarios will fol­low national
policy decisions and international consultation,
but these decisions will be more durable
and effective if informed by products (architectures, mis­sion designs, etc.) developed
collectively. International standards will enablemultiple partners to participate. In the coming
years, many nations will continue developing domestic policy, regulatory and legal
frameworks to most effectively implement
sustainable human space exploration.
Increasingly, space agencies are engaged indialogue with private sector entities that are
beginning to move forward with plans to invest
in projects in and beyond low Earth orbit. For

such private sector efforts to succeed, theyneed the certainty of a long-term governmental commitment to space exploration, thecontinued opportunity to introduce ideas into
government thinking, and supportive national
business environments.
While this document does not create commitments of any kind on behalf of any of theparticipants, the Global Exploration Roadmap
and the coordination that supports its development are important tools for achievementof a global, strategic, coordinated, and comprehensive approach to space exploration.
This and subsequent editions of the Global
Exploration Roadmap will provide a technicalbasis to inform programmatic discussions
among agencies. The space agencies participating in the ISECG will continue the dialogue
to coordinate and advance sustainable space
exploration, extending human and robotic
presence into the Solar System.

International Space Exploration
Coordination GroupThe Global Exploration Roadmap is a nonbinding product of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG)
space agencies. This third edition will be followed by periodic updates as the content evolves and matures. ISECG is committed
to the development of products that enable participating agencies to take concrete steps toward partnerships that reflect a
globally coordinated exploration effort.

CanadaAustralia

India

RussiaItaly

UkrainePublishing services provided by:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Headquarters
Washington, DC 20546-0001
www.nasa.gov

NP-2018-01-2502-HQ
G-327035

China

European Space Agency

Japan

United Arab Emirates

FranceRepublic of Korea

United Kingdom

This document is available online at http://www.globalspaceexploration.org

United States