A Low Earth Orbit Space Station – the Way Forward (DLR)

Wednesday 27 September 2017, 14:30 – 16:00
Location: Adelaide Convention Center – Hall D

Spurred in by the foreseen” expiry date” of the International Space Station (ISS), the key spacefaring nations and agencies are currently developing their individual programs in line with their own identified prime objectives and goals. Concurrently, a paradigm shift can also be observed with an influx of private players on the space scene taking over the role previously occupied predominantly by government agencies. Using the ISS as an impressive long-term international cooperation project, it is absolutely crucial to commence a dialog between agencies as well as industry and private and commercial partners, to discuss and plan for the future of manned space for the post-ISS era.

For this means, the Low Earth Orbit is considered to be a highly attractive option, with the potential to offer a low-cost destination for not only satellites, but also for a potential new infrastructure. The proposed Discussion Panel will seek to gauge opinions on this highly relevant topic from an international Panel of leaders within the space segment, allowing a platform for the exchange of ideas and discussions on the next steps required in order to initiate the necessary political, conceptual, technical and economic processes for the development of a follow-on platform in LEO.