Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the - Solar System ...

3 Shared objectives that incorporate the interests of scientists, engineers, and managers in
common and communicated goals;
4. Clearly defined responsibilities and roles for cooperative partners, including scientists,
engineers, and mission managers;
5 An agreed-upon process for data calibration, validation, access, and distribution;
6. A sense of partnership recognizing the unique contributions of each participant;
7. Beneficial characteristics of cooperation; and
8. Recognition of the importance of reviews for cooperative activities in the conceptual,
developmental, active, or extended mission phases—particularly for foreseen and upcoming large
missions.
Summary
Despite the negative consequences that may potentially accrue if cooperative activities are not
planned and conducted in a manner consistent with the eight principles listed above, the committee
strongly supports international efforts and encourages the expansion of international cooperation on
planetary missions to accelerate technology maturation and share costs. International cooperation
generally provides resilience to long-term space programs and allows optimal use of an international
workforce and expertise. Multiple international space powers have now mastered major technological
challenges required to explore the solar system. As such, international cooperation should remain a key
element of the nation’s planetary exploration program. An internationally engaged program of solar
system program can unite stakeholders worldwide and lay the roadmap for humans to venture into space
in the next phases of exploration.
FIGURE 2.12 The International Year of Astronomy ended with a lunar eclipse. SOURCE: Courtesy of
Jean Paul Roux.
PREPUBLICATION COPY—SUBJECT TO FURTHER EDITORIAL CORRECTION
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