INCREASING SYNERGIES BETWEEN HUMAN AND ROBOTIC EXPLORATION MISSIONS AS ENVISIONED IN THE GLOBAL EXPLORATION ROADMAP

Human exploration of the solar system will proceed in a step-wise manner that builds on the capabilities supporting ongoing human spaceflight programs such as the International Space Station and the Chinese space program. Exploration missions will allow agencies to advance their capabilities to meet individual and common goals and objectives. Space exploration goals and objectives reflect the reasons why we choose to explore space with humans, bringing benefits to people on Earth. Robotic capabilities not only prepare the way for future human missions, but maximize the impact of human explorers. Building on this natural synergy is important and was strongly supported by government representatives at the International Space Exploration Forum, held 9 January 2014 in Washington, DC. In its updated Global Exploration Roadmap (GER), the participating agencies of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) 1 demonstrate their commitment to defining and implementing meaningful steps towards advancing human and robotic mission integration.