SCOPE

Since the dawn of civilization, human beings have wanted to conquer the Cosmos. Europe has a long, continuous and successful tradition in studying the Moon, our Solar System and the Universe.

The Apollo landings on the moon, observations of the sun and our planet Earth, robotic explorations of the planets and the inauguration of the International Space Station are achievements that have revolutionized the view of humankind of the universe and inspired people around the world. Now, entering a new millennium, time has come to answer the question of expanding humankind's future in space.

Governments and space agencies around the world are beginning to consider future space policies and priorities, including various options for human space flight. The next European Space Conference at Ministerial level in 2008 will address a new policy in the frame of common long term objectives of the European Space Agency. Objectives to be considered are:

1. Strengthen European identity
2. Increase Europe's strategic independence
3. Enhance citizens′ economic and societal security
4. Consider new international and global co-operation options in space.

In this context the ESA Human Spaceflight Vision Group formulated the goal to build an inhabited base on the moon, meeting core European objectives and strategies, by fostering European values and the creation of a knowledge based society in the 21st century. Such a space exploration program should be seen as a societal project which includes a broad range of social, economic, scientific and technological aspects.

The organisers of this symposium consider it hence timely to provide a comprehensive survey and information base for public and political discussions on the capabilities and benefits to be gained by the realization of European
lunar exploration initiatives – and beyond.

From the outset Bremen has been the industrial centre of human spaceflight in Europe. This is the historical background for the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics (DGLR), in close cooperation with the Bremen based companies ASTRIUM Space Transportation and OHB System and the Bremen Universities to take the initiative calling for an international symposium dedicated to the discussion of goals, applications, challenges and opportunities of new ventures for human and robotic space exploration.

OBJECTIVES

The symposium shall provide a comprehensive survey of goals, applications, challenges and opportunities related to upcoming lunar activities and beyond. It shall serve as a platform for an open discussion and for the exchange of
information between space experts, scientists, politicians, space agencies, the general public and the media.

The main objectives of this symposium are:
- Scoping of potential lunar activities for the next two decades
- Identifying applications and benefits of associated proposals
- Starting European initiatives towards the moon
- Provide inputs for the formulation of a new European Space Policy of ESA
and the European Union.

The symposium seeks participation from:
- Space experts and scientists in research institutes and universities
- National space centres, the European Space Agency, EU and political bodies
- Industry and business entrepreneurs
- Public and Media

MAIN TOPICS

The symposium will cover application, research, development and programmatic aspects of interest for exploring the Moon and beyond. Topics areas of the symposium are:

- Radio Astronomy
- Life Science and Exobiology
- Geophysics and Solar Systems Research
- Concepts and Technology
- Programmatics
- Commercial Initiatives

PROGRAMME COMMITTEE

Prof. Dr. Uwe Apel, University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Germany
Francine Bonnefond, EADS, France
Dr. Chris Castelli, Science and Technology Facilities Council, United Kingdom
Prof. Dr. Heino Falcke, ASTRON, The Netherlands
Prof. Bernard Foing, ESA/ESTEC, The Netherlands
Prof. Dr. Rupert Gerzer, German Aerospace Center, Germany
Hans-Jörg Heidmann, ASTRIUM ST, Germany
Dr. Gerda Horneck, German Aerospace Center, Germany
Bernhard Hufenbach, ESA/ESTEC, The Netherlands
Dr. Rolf Janovsky, OHB System AG, Germany
Heinz-Josef Kaaf, German Aerospace Center, Germany
Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchner, University of Bremen, Germany (tbc)
Gerhard Schneider, State of Bremen, Germany
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Walter, Technical University of Munich, Germany

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Mrs Simonetta Di Pippo, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, Italy
Prof. Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA, France (tbc)
Prof. Dr. Manfred Fuchs, OHB System AG, Germany
Dr. Michael Menking, Astrium ST, Germany
Prof. Dr. Ernst Messerschmid, University of Stuttgart, Germany
Prof. Heinz Stoewer, SAC Space Associates Beratungs GmbH, Germany
Prof. Sir Martin Sweeting, Surrey Satellite Technology LTD, United Kingdom
Prof. Karel Wakker, Netherlands Institute for Space Research, The Netherlands
Prof. Dr. Johann-Dietrich Wörner, German Aerospace Center, Germany

CORRESPONDENCE

Technical Inquiries should be addressed to the Programme Committee:

Mr. Hartmut Mueller
OHB System AG
c/o machtWissen.de AG
Fahrenheitstrasse 1
28359 Bremen, Germany
Phone: +49 421 2208 266
Fax: +49 421 2208 267
Email: hartmut.mueller@beyondmoon.de

All other enquiries should be directed to the Conference Secretariate:

Prof. Carsten Holze
Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt
c/o machtWissen.de AG
Fahrenheitstrasse 1
28359 Bremen, Germany
Phone: +49 421 2208 266
Fax: +49 421 2208 267
Email: carsten.holze@beyondmoon.de