Publication archive

Publication archive

The International Journal of Astrobiology is a peer-reviewed forum, covering cosmic prebiotic chemistry, planetary evolution, the search for planetary systems and habitable zones, extremophile biology and experimental simulation of extraterrestrial environments, Mars as an abode of life, life detection in our solar system and beyond, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, the history of the science of astrobiology, as well as societal and educational aspects of astrobiology.

This special issue is devoted to 'Astrobiology field research in Moon/Mars analogue environments' (Editors: BH Foing, C. Stoker, P. Ehrenfreund).

Abstract: Extreme environments on Earth often provide similar terrain conditions to landing/operation sites on the Moon and Mars. Several field campaigns (EuroGeoMars2009 and DOMMEX/ILEWG EuroMoonMars from November 2009 to March 2010) were conducted at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah. Some of the key astrobiology results are presented in this special issue on 'Astrobiology field research in Moon/Mars analogue environments' relevant to investigate the link between geology, minerals, organics and biota. Preliminary results from a multidisciplinary field campaign at Rio Tinto in Spain are presented.

Published: 02 June 2011

The first European workshop on Landing Sites for Exploration Missions took place at the Lorentz Centre, in Leiden (NL) on 17-21 January 2011. The workshop was organised in the framework of a Europlanet JRA1 (Support to Future Missions) grant. It gathered more than sixty participants from the space science and engineering communities in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

The workshop's programme combined a series of lectures presenting different perspectives on landing sites with hands-on sessions involving small, interdisciplinary teams focussing on specific mission scenarios. The goal of the workshop was to bring together the international landing site community to start preparing for landing site selection and characterisation activities serving missions having a European component. The week was concluded with a conference at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), focussing on the international programmatic context of robotic exploration missions.

This report presents the workshop's outcome, recommendations, and detailed results of the various mission scenarios that were studied: three Mars mission scenarios (2016 Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module, 2018 Dual Rover Mission, and Mars Sample Return); a mission to a small solar system body, such as Phobos or an asteroid; and a Google Lunar X-prize mission to consider landing site selection approaches for commercial missions).

Published: 20 March 2011
The main document for the Announcement of Opportunity for ExoMars Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module Science
Published: 29 November 2010
A publication of the Mars Program Office and the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG).
Published: 04 December 2012

Document reference number: EXM-MS-PL-ESA-00002

This Science Management Plan specifies in detail the scientific management of the ExoMars programme, focusing on the way the payload is selected and implemented for the various mission elements, as a joint effort of the scientific community, the funding organisations, ESA and NASA. The modes of participation in the programme are addressed, as well as the responsibility of the ESA Project Manager, Project Scientist, and their teams vis-à-vis the implementation and exploitation of the instruments. Finally, the data rights of the involved scientists and their responsibilities for the public outreach activities are explained, as is the data analysis support policy. Once approved, the ExoMars Science Management Plan will become applicable to all parties wishing to participate in the ExoMars programme. Whenever mission or programmatic developments justify a revision, the ExoMars Science Management Plan will be updated and resubmitted, to the Advisory Bodies for endorsement and to the Programme Board (PB-HME) for approval.

Published: 12 February 2010

Document: EXM-OM-IPA-ESA-00001

The Experiment Proposal Information Package (E-PIP) defines all technical, managerial and programmatic data that are relevant in the context of the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for the scientific instruments on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter Spacecraft. It does not yet contain formally agreed requirements, however all stated parameter values and other data reflect the currently agreed baseline for the spacecraft, the mission, mission operations, product assurance, and managerial approach. Also, all relevant supporting information, as far as currently known, is contained in the E-PIP.

Following instrument selection the Experiment Interface Requirements Document (E-IRD) will be issued to define all the technical, managerial and programmatic requirements applicable to each scientific instrument interface with the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter Spacecraft and Mission.

All instruments will have to be compliant with this E-IRD. The E-IRD shall be considered as a baseline for the definition and update of the individual Instruments Experiment Interface Control Document (E-ICD) relevant to each instrument through all phases of the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter development.

Published: 11 January 2010
Rover Operations Control Centre presentation given by Altec at the ExoMars Industry Day, hosted by Altec in Turin, Italy on 29 May 2008.
Published: 29 May 2008
Carrier Module presentation given by Thales Alenia Space-Italy at the ExoMars Industry Day, hosted by Altec in Turin, Italy on 29 May 2008.
Published: 29 May 2008
ExoMars Rover Vehicle presentation given by EADS Astrium-UK at the ExoMars Industry Day hosted by Altec in Turin, Italy on 29 May 2008.
Published: 29 May 2008
Enhanced ExoMars Mission presentation given by Thales Alenia Space-Italy at the ExoMars Industry Day, hosted by Altec in Turin, Italy on 29 May 2008.
Published: 29 May 2008
Enhanced ExoMars Mission presentation given by ESA at the ExoMars Industry Day, ExoMars Industry Day, hosted by Altec in Turin, Italy on 29 May 2008.
Published: 29 May 2008
This report was compiled by the Joint Instrument Definition Team for the 2016 Mar Orbiter Bus.
Published: 10 November 2009

This second Annual Report of the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) and its sub-working groups provides highlights of their activities during the past twelve-months including the progress of its Workplan, work ahead, the major space exploration accomplishments of its members including future opportunities, and progress in implementing the Themes described in "The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination".

In addition, this ISECG Annual Report, as with the 2007 edition, provides an opportunity for agencies to update the international community on their individual space exploration plans - this information will be found in the Annex.

The Annual Report is intended to keep all exploration stakeholders, including other exploration related coordination groups, better informed of the ISECG's work and progress implementing the Global Exploration Strategy Framework document.

Efficient, beneficial and public supported Space Exploration can only be accomplished as an international endeavour involving a diverse stakeholder community comprising; space agencies and their policy/funding governments, industry, scientific institutions, academia, and non-profit groups. The ISECG is facilitating this dialogue and understanding.

Published: 15 March 2009
Presentation at Royal Astronomical Society, London. Contents:
  • Current ExoMars objectives
  • Recap of Enhanced ExoMars Baseline
  • Present transfer timelines to avoid dust storm landing
  • Present and future TLC capability at Mars
  • Financial Situation
  • Descoping strategy
  • Next Steps
  • MREP(MarsRobotic Exploration Preparation
  • Conclusions
Published: 12 December 2008
The international Mars Architecture for the Return of Samples (iMARS) Working Group was chartered by the International Mars Exploration Working Group (IMEWG) in mid-2006 to develop a potential plan for an internationally sponsored and executed Mars sample return (MSR) mission. Its purpose is to outline the scientifi c and engineering requirements of such an international mission in the 2018-2023 time frame. This report is a summary of Phase I of iMARS' efforts, which were carried out between September 2007, and May 2008. Contents
  • Executive Summary
  • Introduction
  • Science Objectives
  • High-level Requirements
  • Implementation of Mars Sample Return
  • Development Timeline
  • Management Planning
  • Public Outreach and Education
  • Conclusions and Next Steps
  • Acknowledgements, References, and Appendices
Published: 02 May 2008
Report from the European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC), the ESF's strategic board on space research. The international space exploration programme foresees multiple robotic and human missions in the solar system in the coming decades. A global strategy is being developed jointly by a large number of space-faring nations and organisations. In Europe a major planning effort is ongoing in the framework of the ESA Aurora Programme, Europe's Exploration Programme (EEP) that envisages the launch of ExoMars in 2013 as a first step towards a robust and renewed effort for exploration. In view of the evolving international context, ESA has initiated further analysis and definition of Europe's potential role in the exploration initiative by identifying scientific, technological and societal priorities. For the science part ESA has asked the ESSC-ESF to conduct a broad consultation in support of the definition of a science-driven European scenario for space exploration.
Published: 15 February 2008
Twenty-nine European countries unveiled a new space policy on 22 May 2007. The European Space Policy has for the first time created a common political framework for space activities. Jointly drafted by the European Commission and ESA's Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain, the European Space Policy sets out a basic vision and strategy for the space sector, and tackles issues such as science, applications including security and defence, access to space and exploration. Based on that European Space Policy, the Resolution adopted by the 'Space Council' of ESA and European Union ministers defines a vision for Europe in space and provides guidelines for implementing that vision.
Published: 16 June 2007
Sustainable space exploration is a challenge that no one nation can do on its own. This is why fourteen space agencies have developed "The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination", which presents a vision for robotic and human space exploration, focussing on destinations within the solar system where we may one day live and work. It elaborates an action plan to share the strategies and efforts of individual nations so that all can achieve their exploration goals more effectively and safely. This Framework does not propose a single global programme. Rather, it recommends a voluntary, non-binding forum, the international Coordination Mechanism, through which nations can collaborate to strengthen both individual projects and the collective effort.

This document is the result of the collective work of representatives of the following Space Agencies and Organisations:

 ASI, ItalyESA, Europe
 BNSC, UKISRO, India
 CNES, FranceJAXA, Japan
 CNSA, ChinaKARI, South Korea
 CSA, CanadaNASA, USA
 CSIRO, AustraliaNSAU, Ucraine
 DLR, GermanyRoscomos, Russia
www.globalspaceexploration.org

Published: 16 May 2007
Reference number: HME-HS/BH/2005-001.II In parallel to the implementation of activities that will prepare for near-term exploration projects, ESA has initiated a process for the development of a long-term strategy for space exploration to serve as a framework for the future. In 2005, as a first step in this process, ESA set up a multidisciplinary scenario team to conduct broad stakeholder consultations and invite various leading space and non-space organisations to perform related studies. The results of this work are summarised in this document, which will serve as a reference for further reflections and open discussions. It will form the basis for the development of a consolidated long-term strategy within the next two years, taking due account of the actions identified in this document and the overall evolving context for the implementation of the European space exploration programme.
Published: 15 December 2005
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