GEGSLA Newsletter | June 2023

Welcome to the GEGSLA Monthly Newsletter!

We are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) monthly newsletter, packed with exciting updates. We extend our gratitude to the GEGSLA community - all the participants and supporters who make our work possible. Your commitment to GEGSLA's mission is truly commendable and serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and collective action.

Dive into this 4th edition of the GEGSLA Monthly Newsletter and let it serve as a beacon of inspiration, a source of valuable knowledge, and a platform for sharing our passion for lunar sustainability. Together, let's continue to champion the cause and create a more sustainable world.

India and Ecuador join the Artemis Accords

India and Ecuador have recently signed the Artemis Accords, bringing the total number of participating countries to 27. The Artemis Accords, spearheaded by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration , provide a framework for sustainable and peaceful space exploration, particularly focusing on lunar missions. Ecuador became the 26th country to sign the accords on June 21st, followed by India the next day during an official state visit to the White House.

As part of this agreement, NASA will provide training to Indian astronauts in collaboration with the ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization for an anticipated joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024. The Artemis Accords aim to foster cooperation, scientific knowledge sharing, and ensure compatibility among nations engaged in space exploration.

China Attracts Partners for Lunar Research Station Project

China has secured commitments from several countries, including Russia Roscosmos , Pakistan Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Comission (SUPARCO) , the United Arab Emirates UAE Space Agency , and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), to join its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative. The ILRS aims to establish a permanent lunar base in the 2030s, with a series of missions planned for this decade. Malaysia and Venezuela are among the countries in discussions to join the project. China intends to complete the signing of agreements with founding members of the ILRS Cooperation Organization by October 2023 and define task sharing and intergovernmental agreements by the end of 2024. The ILRS base will be constructed in the 2030s through a series of missions, including infrastructure for research, nuclear energy, communications, and more.

Europe Hands Over Artemis 2 Moon Ship's Service Module to NASA

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration has received the European Service Module-2 (ESM-2), which will provide power, life support, water, fuel, and propulsion to the astronauts onboard the Orion capsule during the Artemis 2 mission. The transfer of the ESM-2 from the European Space Agency - ESA Space Agency (ESA) to NASA has been finalized with signed documents. The ESM-2 has undergone extensive testing since its arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in October 2021. Once integrated with the Orion capsule, the spacecraft will be connected to the Artemis 2 Space Launch System rocket for a planned launch in November 2024.

India to become 4th Nation on the Moon due to Russia Delays

Russia has postponed the launch of its Luna 25 lunar mission until August, giving India the opportunity to potentially become the fourth nation to land on the Moon. India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is on track for a mid-July launch. The Moon Village Association has been a strong supporter of this mission, by working with ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization on the outreach aspects. A successful landing on the Moon is a challenging feat, with only the US, China, and the former USSR having achieved it so far. ISRO's Chandrayaan-2 mission lost communication just before reaching the lunar surface. India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, a follow-up to Chandrayaan-2, will include a lander-rover combination and is scheduled to launch in mid-July. The mission aims to study the lunar surface and operate for approximately 14 Earth days.

USA Raises Obstacles for UAE-China Lunar Mission Due to ITAR

The US State Department has presented a significant hurdle for the UAE's Rashid 2 lunar mission, which was planned in collaboration with China. The US Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) informed Emirati authorities that the lunar rover Rashid 2, which includes US-origin components, cannot be flown on Chinese rockets due to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions. ITAR regulations govern the export of defense-related goods and services, including space-related technologies.

The UAE and China signed an agreement in 2022 for Rashid 2 to travel to and land on the Moon from China's Chang'e-7 lander, which is scheduled to launch in 2026. However, to continue collaboration on the Chang'e-7 mission with China, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) must obtain a license from the US State Department and ITAR regulations pose challenges for the mission. Rumors of the partnership falling out have been circling since March but no official statements were made. This development highlights the complexities and limitations imposed by international regulations on collaborative space exploration efforts, with the ITAR regulations playing a significant role in shaping the UAE-China lunar mission.

First Lunar Satnav Receiver Delivered for Lunar Pathfinder Mission

A satnav receiver designed to operate in lunar orbit has been delivered to Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in the UK for integration onto the Lunar Pathfinder spacecraft. The navigation payload includes a four helix antenna, the NaviMoon satnav receiver from SpacePNT SA , and a low noise amplifier. The payload will process terrestrial Global Navigation Satellite Signal (GNSS) signals from over 400,000 km away to determine the spacecraft's position, velocity, and timing in real-time. It will be complemented by a lunar Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) developed by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration . The Lunar Pathfinder mission, set to launch in late 2025, will serve as a telecommunications relay satellite and enable future lunar exploration, with European Space Agency - ESA and NASA as key customers.

ULA's Vulcan Centaur Rocket Passes Key Test, Aims for Moon Missions

United Launch Alliance (ULA) has successfully test-fired the main engines of its Vulcan Centaur rocket, marking a major step toward its inaugural flight later this year. The test-firing validated the performance of the Blue Origin -built BE-4 engines, generating nearly a million pounds of thrust. The Vulcan Centaur rocket is significant for lunar missions as it will launch a commercial moon lander developed by Astrobotic , delivering NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration experiments and tech demo payloads to the lunar surface.

Chris Hadfield Collaborates with King Charles on Astra Carta for Space Sustainability

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has been working alongside King Charles on a space sustainability plan known as the Astra Carta. The Astra Carta aims to explore innovative ways for humans to utilize space and settle the moon while prioritizing sustainability and avoiding ecological disruption. Hadfield envisions the moon as a blank canvas for human activity, offering an opportunity to establish new patterns of behavior and governance in uncharted territories. The initiative, which began last summer, was initiated by King Charles, who reached out to Hadfield for assistance. A version of the Astra Carta was released in London on June 28. Drawing inspiration from the Magna Carta, the Astra Carta seeks to evolve and attract interest from policymakers. Hadfield has been actively involved in editing the final draft and collaborating with King Charles and his team on the project. The Moon Village Association is one of the supporting members of the initiative, having signed the Memorandum of Principles set out by the Earth∞Space?Sustainability?Initiative (ESSI).

NASA Selects Participants for One-Year Analog Mission

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration has selected four participants for the agency's first one-year analog mission in a habitat that simulates living on Mars. The Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission will be conducted at NASA's Johnson Space Center and aims to simulate the challenges of a human mission to Mars. The participants will live and work in a 3D-printed habitat, where researchers will study the impacts of long-duration missions on crew health and performance. The CHAPEA analog mission provides valuable insights into the impacts of long-duration space missions on crew health and performance, which is crucial for the success of future Moon and Mars missions, including NASA's Artemis program. By simulating the challenges of living and working in a habitat on Mars, NASA can gather data to inform the design and planning of human missions to both the Moon and Mars, ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts during extended space exploration.

Luxembourg Space Agency Eyes Bridging Role in US-China Space Relations

by Christophe Bosquillon

The Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) sees itself as a potential bridge between the United States and China. Mathias Link , the director of the LSA, made the comments while speaking at the Secure World Foundation ’s 5th Space Sustainability Summit in New York in mid-June. Link was responding to a question on the US–China dynamic and the potential role of European space agencies to serve as deconflict agents. The director acknowledged the geopolitical implications at play, saying it was often necessary to “pick a side,” but given the scale of expansion of the space sector in China, and the level of innovation there, keeping the lines of communication open with the Chinese space sector was a positive thing. We at GEGSLA believe that it is important to foster discussion between the US and China as well, with strong participation from both countries represented in the GEGSLA efforts.?

Aarti Holla-Maini Appointed as Director of UNOOSA

Aarti Holla-Maini , a veteran in the space sector with over 25 years of experience, has been appointed as the new Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in Vienna, , succeeding Simonetta Di Pippo . United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced her appointment, recognizing her extensive expertise and contributions to the field. The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to Di Pippo for her service and extended appreciation to Niklas Hedman , who will serve as Acting Director until Holla-Maini assumes the position.

Holla-Maini has held various managerial and advocacy roles, including her position as Executive Vice-President of Sustainability, Policy & Impact at NorthStar Earth & Space and her 18-year tenure as Secretary-General of the Global Satellite Operators Association. Her accomplishments include being a member of the World Economic Forum 's Global Future Council on Space, the Space Sustainability Rating Advisory Group, and the Crisis Connectivity Charter, which facilitated emergency telecommunications via satellite in collaboration with the UN World Food Program's Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.

New GEGSLA Working Groups

The Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) has initiated three working groups as part of its Operational Phase, in order to address key aspects of lunar exploration and activities. The working groups, namely Lunar Environmental Protection (WG 1), Lunar Technical Coordination (WG 2), and Lunar Multistakeholder Coordination (WG 3), will focus on ensuring environmental preservation, coordinating technical aspects, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in lunar endeavors. Esteemed co-chairs for each group have been selected to lead the efforts, with WG1 co-chaired by Jean-Claude Worms and Ian Crawford , WG 2 co-chaired by Timothy Cichan and Marchel Holle , and WG 3 co-chaired by Yu Xu and Mark Sundahl .

A call for participants will be published on July 1st, inviting experts and interested individuals to contribute their knowledge and expertise to these important initiatives. The establishment of these working groups signifies a significant step towards promoting sustainable and responsible lunar activities in the future.

GEGSLA Side Event at the UN COPUOS

You can now watch the recorded session of the COPUOS 66th Session Side Event - International Lunar Coordination: A Round Table. This session, held at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) COPUOS and organized by the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) , featured speakers from several Permanent Observers including the Moon Village Association ,?Open Lunar Foundation,?Secure World Foundation,?The Hague Institute for Global Justice.

5th Summit for Space Sustainability

The 5th Summit for Space Sustainability, which is organized by the Secure World Foundation , took place on June 13 and 14. It brought together global stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society to discuss the challenges and opportunities in achieving space sustainability. The event focused on reinforcing sustainability through corporate performance and strategy, recognizing the increasing role of the private sector in the space domain. Participants examined the application of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in the space sector as a means to address sustainability challenges and attract investment. By fostering engagement and collaboration, the summit aimed to develop solutions that enhance space sustainability and promote the long-term sustainable use of space. You can watch recordings of the sessions here.

Making Sense of Space for Climate “Action” by Addressing the Crisis Root Causes

by Christophe Bosquillon

GLOC2023 - Global Space Conference on Climate Change took place in Oslo on May 23-25 2023. In an article titled "Making Sense of Space for Climate “Action” by Addressing the Crisis Root Causes", Christophe Bosquillon referred to Space-Based Solar Power in Earth orbit as one of the concrete solutions. The article mentioned the European Space Agency - ESA SOLARIS project and the connection with the Moon in-situ resource utilisation, for future propellant, materials, and component to sustain such a SBSP orbital infrastructure. ESA reacted positively to the article and reminded readers it will soon publish a new study. The study will emphasise the strong synergies and cross-applications between the ESA SOLARIS SBSP projector Earth, and the ESA Terrae Novae Lunar Exploration Programme. The article also mentioned the intervention of Sahba El-Shawa on behalf of Space Generation Advisory Council , and the need to integrate the new generation in these space and climate problematics. Overall, a point is made to include the Global South in relevant space and climate solutions. The series of 4 articles "GLOC 2023 Special -?Beyond the Climate Blah-Blah" on SpaceWatch.Global is accessible here. Let's keep operational this strong connection between the Moon, the Earth environment, and the fate of all living species, including ours.?

Join as a GEGSLA Participant

If you're interested in joining GEGSLA as a participant in its?Operational Phase?and support the dissemination of the?Recommended Framework, you may express your interest at the form?here. This Expression of Interest form is?designed to gather information from individuals who are interested in becoming members of the group. It includes questions about the applicant's background, expertise, and interest in sustainable lunar activities. The purpose of this form is to recruit qualified individuals who can contribute to the group's mission of promoting sustainable and responsible lunar activities through the GEGSLA Framework.

International Moon Day 2023

The?International Moon Day?has been proclaimed on July 20th, the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon in 1969, by the?United Nations?General Assembly. The Moon Village Association submitted the application during the?United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)?COPUOS 64th Session, which was approved on December 9th, 2021. The International Moon Day is now an annual event celebrated across the planet for the general public, aimed at educating and promoting awareness of the status and prospects for sustainable lunar exploration, and the need for cooperation in regulating activities on and around the Moon. One example is the Brazilian II International Moon Day Brasil: Iniciando a Nova Jornada Lunar para a Humanidade, which will ?provide approaches from different cultures?and?involve government and civil society in a 3-day event (in Portuguese) to promote information, capacity building, reflections on lunar environmental sustainability, cooperation, inclusiveness and benefit sharing. This is a great opportunity to organize events in your country in order to disseminate the GEGSLA Framework and open the topic of Lunar Governance to a wider audience. To propose your own event and learn more about the IMD, head to the website?here.

MVA Adaptive Governance Working Group

The?Adaptive Governance Working Group?(AGWG) of the?Moon Village Association?is dedicated to promoting cooperation, coordination and governance for peaceful and sustainable activities on the Moon, converging with the work of GEGSLA. Among its recent activities are the Registration Project, the inputs for the UN COPUOS LSC Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities and the ongoing Benefit Sharing Project (BSP). Get involved by contacting the WG secretary Jéssyka Nunes at?[email protected]

Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, Chair of GEGSLA

Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu works as an expert within the Romanian Association for Space Technology and Industry – ROMSPACE and as a member of the Board of the Romanian Space Agency .

In May 1981, Prunariu accomplished an eight-day space flight on board Soyuz-40 spacecraft and Saliut-6 space station.

Prunariu is one of the founding members and former president of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE), was also the President of the Romanian Space Agency (1998-2004), the Ambassador of Romania to the Russian Federation (since 2004), the chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) (2010-2012), representative of Romania in the International Relations Committee of the European Space Agency - ESA , Member of the Trustees Board of the International Astronautical Academy, the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Asteroid Foundation, registered in Luxembourg, a special adviser to the “ Moon Village Association ” (MVA), registered in Vienna, observer member of UN COPUOS, and chair of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) , organized by MVA.

Prunariu is a co-author of several books regarding space technology and space flight and has presented/published numerous scientific papers. He earned a degree in aerospace engineering from the Universitatea POLITEHNICA din Bucure?ti and a Ph.D. in the field of space flight dynamics. Prunariu is also a Honorary Member of the Romanian Academy, and a Honorary Member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova. He is an Honorary Citizen of several cities and Doctor Honoris Causa of several higher education institutions from Romania, Republic of Moldova, and USA. An asteroid was named with his name, the asteroid “10707 Prunariu”.

D. Prunariu is married to Crina Prunariu, retired diplomat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, former Ambassador of Romania in Armenia. They have two sons and four grandchildren.

During the current Operational Phase, GEGSLA's main sponsor is?Lockheed Martin. We are grateful for their continued support in our efforts to foster sustainability and inclusion in future lunar activities. Our sponsors are essential players in making our vision for an international Moon Village a reality.

If you are interested in sponsoring GEGSLA's activities, you may contact us at?[email protected]?or donate directly to GEGSLA through the MVA website?here.

GEGSLA 3rd Operational Meeting targeting Industry

The 3rd Operational Meeting of the GEGSLA, which will be held on September 6th from 15:00-17:00 CET, will aim to foster collaboration and engagement with commercial industry. The meeting seeks to identify key stakeholders in the private sector who can contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable practices on the moon. We invite our readers to provide suggestions regarding industry representatives who should be invited to participate in this important discussion. Your insights and recommendations will play a significant role in shaping the future of lunar exploration and ensuring its sustainability. Please reach out to?[email protected]?with any input you may have. Together, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future for lunar activities.

GEGSLA Working Group Recruitment

Stay tuned for the upcoming call for participants in the working groups under GEGSLA, as it presents an opportunity to contribute and shape the future of lunar environmental protection, technical coordination, and multistakeholder collaboration in sustainable lunar activities. The call will be published through our page Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) on July 1st. Don't miss it!

Contact Us

If you would like to share news or events in our next monthly newsletter, partner with GEGSLA, or highlight your organization's work, reach out to us at?[email protected]