HEADS OF AGENCY INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION JOINT STATEMENT

March 11, 2010 at 3:39 pm | Posted in Space Law Current Events | Leave a comment

by Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz and the blog faculty

March 11, 2010

Michael Braukus
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979
michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 10-063

HEADS OF AGENCY INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION JOINT STATEMENT

TOKYO — The heads of the International Space Station (ISS) agencies
from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia, and the United States met in
Tokyo, Japan, on March 11, 2010, to review ISS cooperation.

With the assembly of the ISS nearing completion and the capability to
support a full-time crew of six established, they noted the
outstanding opportunities now offered by the ISS for on-orbit
research and for discovery including the operation and management of
the world’s largest international space complex. In particular, they
noted the unprecedented opportunities that enhanced use of this
unique facility provides to drive advanced science and technology.
This research will deliver benefits to humanity on Earth while
preparing the way for future exploration activities beyond low-Earth
orbit. The ISS will also allow the partnership to experiment with
more integrated international operations and research, paving the way
for enhanced collaboration on future international missions.

The heads of agency reaffirmed the importance of full exploitation of
the station’s scientific, engineering, utilization, and education
potential. They noted that there are no identified technical
constraints to continuing ISS operations beyond the current planning
horizon of 2015 to at least 2020, and that the partnership is
currently working to certify on-orbit elements through 2028. The
heads of agency expressed their strong mutual interest in continuing
operations and utilization for as long as the benefits of ISS
exploitation are demonstrated. They acknowledged that a U.S. fiscal
year 2011 budget consistent with the U.S. administration’s budget
request would allow the United States to support the continuation of
ISS operations and utilization activities to at least 2020. They
emphasized their common intent to undertake the necessary procedures
within their respective governments to reach consensus later this
year on the continuation of the ISS to the next decade.

In looking ahead, the heads of agency discussed the importance of
increasing ISS utilization and operational efficiency by all possible
means, including finding and coordinating efficiencies across the ISS
Program and assuring the most effective use of essential
capabilities, such as space transportation for crew and cargo, for
the life of the program.

For the latest about the International Space Station, visit the
Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station