GEGSLA Newsletter | September 2023
Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA)
Welcome to the GEGSLA Monthly Newsletter!
We are delighted to introduce the 7th edition of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) monthly newsletter. Your unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts remain the cornerstone of our achievements. In the following pages, you will discover compelling updates and meaningful endeavors that mirror our mutual dedication to lunar exploration and sustainability.
Our expedition is one marked by exploration and conscientious action. By advocating for sustainability, we are forging a path towards a future where lunar activities harmonize with the welfare of our planet and beyond.
Germany Becomes 29th Signatory of NASA's Artemis Accords
During a ceremony at the German Ambassador's Residence in Washington, Germany has officially become the 29th country to sign NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration 's Artemis Accords. This international agreement establishes a practical set of principles for cooperation in space exploration among nations participating in NASA's Artemis program. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Director General of the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) , Dr. Walther Pelzer , signed on behalf of their respective organizations. The Artemis Accords are designed to guide space exploration cooperation, reinforce key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, and promote responsible behavior in space. With more countries expected to sign in the future, this marks a significant step in international collaboration for space exploration.
China's Ambitious Space Resource Utilization Roadmap
Chinese space scientists have unveiled an ambitious roadmap with the potential to revolutionize space exploration by the year 2100. Named after the Ming dynasty scientist Song Yingxing's work, "Tiangong Kaiwu" or "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature," this initiative aims to establish a comprehensive space resources system spanning the solar system. Led by Wang Wei from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the project seeks to explore, mine, and utilize water ice and mineral resources in space. This grand vision could significantly impact the global space economy, expanding humanity's presence beyond Earth's confines.
Japan Successfully Launches Moon Lander and X-ray Observatory
Japan achieved a significant milestone on September 6th by launching both a lunar lander and an X-ray space telescope in a single mission. The launch, which took place from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center, utilized a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-2A rocket equipped with solid boosters. The payload included the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and XRISM, a joint X-ray observatory project involving JAXA, NASA, and the European Space Agency. XRISM separated from the rocket's second stage, entering orbit, while SLIM embarked on a unique lunar transfer route, aiming to demonstrate precise landing capabilities. Additionally, XRISM will play a crucial role in studying galactic matter and energy movements, furthering our understanding of the universe's structure
Venezuelan Astronauts Will Fly to Moon Aboard Chinese Spaceship
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, during his state visit to Beijing, declared that Venezuela plans to send its first astronaut to the moon in a Chinese spacecraft. This announcement marks part of a broader strategic partnership between the two nations, aiming to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including space exploration. Despite ongoing crises in Venezuela, including an economic collapse and mass emigration, Maduro's lunar aspirations signify his intent to strengthen diplomatic ties and seek support for the country's economic recovery. China, looking to expand its influence in Latin America, has become a significant lender to Venezuela, with a history of loans exceeding $60 billion.
NASA's Artemis Missions and Ethical Considerations
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration has released a report titled "Artemis, Ethics and Society: Synthesis from a Workshop" addressing the ethical and societal considerations tied to its ambitious Artemis missions. These missions are set to achieve historic milestones, including landing the first woman and person of color on the Moon, establishing a sustainable lunar presence, and preparing for future Mars missions. The report, based on a workshop held by NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, outlines key ethical challenges, such as sharing space activity benefits, defining values for exploration, assessing sustainability on the Moon, ensuring shared access to lunar sites, and respecting cultural sensitivities in lunar activities. NASA aims to incorporate diverse perspectives and values, reflecting its core principle of inclusion as it ventures into deep space exploration for the benefit of all.
UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi Aims for Lunar Gateway Mission
UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, who recently returned from a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), expressed his hopes of participating in missions to NASA's planned Lunar Gateway station, which is set to orbit the Moon by the end of this decade. The Lunar Gateway is part of NASA's Artemis program and will serve as a base for astronauts before they descend to the lunar surface for exploration missions. The UAE has been exploring ways to contribute to the Gateway project, which could provide Emirati astronauts with access to the Moon.
Australian Consortium Designs Lunar Rover for Moon Mission
The Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) consortium consortium and the EPE and Lunar Outpost Oceania consortium are working on early-stage prototypes of a semi-autonomous Moon rover to be sent to the Moon via NASA. The rover will face extreme environmental conditions on the Moon, including large temperature swings and exposure to solar and galactic charged atomic particles due to the lack of an atmosphere and electromagnetic field. The lunar soil, or regolith, is also vastly different from Earth's soil. Australia has been chosen by NASA as a strategic partner to design and build the lunar rover due to its expertise in remote operations, particularly in the resources industry. The Australian Space Agency has tasked the AROSE consortium with developing the preliminary design of the Trailblazer lunar rover by mid-2024, with the goal of conducting Moon missions for NASA as part of the Artemis program.
South Africa Joins China’s Moon Base Project
South Africa has officially joined China's International Lunar Research Station Cooperation (ILRS) project, which aims to establish a permanent lunar base by the 2030s. The agreement was signed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) following bilateral agreements during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to South Africa. The ILRS project, led by China, is seen as a potential competitor to NASA's Artemis Program. China plans a series of robotic missions in the 2020s as precursors, with the goal of constructing the lunar base using super heavy-lift launchers in the 2030s. South Africa's expertise in space cooperation and operations makes it a valuable partner in this ambitious lunar initiative.
India and Japan Collaborate on Mission to Explore Lunar Water Resources
The ISRO - Indian Space Research Organisation and the JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency are joining forces for the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, aimed at better understanding the availability of water and resources in the highlands near the Moon's south pole. ISRO will provide the lander, and JAXA will contribute the rover for the mission. The lunar south pole is of particular interest as it contains craters where water ice is believed to exist due to the lack of sunlight, making it a valuable resource for future lunar exploration and potential fuel production. This collaboration follows ISRO's Chandrayaan 3 mission and JAXA's SLIM mission, which will inform LUPEX's development, with a scheduled launch in 2025.
Poland Aims to Land on the Moon in 10 Years
Poland is working towards landing on the Moon within a decade, according to Professor Grzegorz Wrochna , President of the POLSA Polska Agencja Kosmiczna | Polish Space Agency . During the European Rover Challenge International Planetary Robotics Competition, Wrochna revealed that Poland is actively establishing a space mission, with the Moon as its primary target. He emphasized the Moon's significance for research throughout the Solar System and its role as a base for missions to Mars. Wrochna also highlighted the growth of Poland's space industry, which has seen over 400 companies registering with the European Space Agency - ESA , and the country's increasing contribution to the ESA, resulting in a thriving space sector with benefits for various industries.
Artemis 2 Astronaut Crew Conducts Moon Launch Dress Rehearsal
The astronaut crew slated for NASA's Artemis 2 mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon, recently conducted a launch dress rehearsal at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This simulation closely mirrored launch day procedures, with the crew donning their spacesuits, traveling to the launch pad, and ascending the mobile launcher. Although the actual rocket and spacecraft were not present, this test was vital in preparing the team for the operations required for the upcoming lunar launch, scheduled for 2024. The Artemis 2 mission holds historical significance as it will mark the first time humans have ventured to the Moon in half a century. The crew includes NASA Commander Reid Wiseman , NASA Pilot Victor Glover , NASA Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and the Canadian Space Agency | Agence spatiale canadienne 's Jeremy Hansen.
Japan's SLIM Moon Lander Completes Crucial Earth Orbit Phase
Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) lunar lander, launched on September 6, 2023, has successfully completed its first critical phase while in Earth orbit. SLIM's primary goal is to demonstrate a highly precise soft landing on the Moon. After launch, ground teams verified the functionality of the spacecraft's systems, including its solar panels, communications, and propulsion. Now in Earth orbit, SLIM will spend approximately 20 days continuing to assess its onboard equipment and preparing for insertion into lunar transfer orbit. SLIM's unique trajectory, involving a loop around the Moon, will allow for a pinpoint lunar landing, aiming to land within 330 feet (100 meters) of a target point within Shioli Crater. Success could pave the way for future lunar and planetary exploration and make Japan the fifth country to soft-land on the Moon.
Astrobotic Commences with Two NASA Contracts
Astrobotic have begun work on two NASA Small Business Innovation Research contracts that will further research on lunar plume-surface interactions (PSI), a key area of risk and uncertainty for lunar landing. This testing will generate valuable new data about how lunar dust stirred up by a lander’s rocket plumes will affect landing systems, onboard payloads, landing sites, and nearby surface infrastructure on upcoming missions. In addition, the first project, ‘Floatinator,’ aims to control and eliminate a significant testing variable – namely, Earth gravity – that has limited ground-based lunar PSI tests. Astrobotic, in collaboration with Philip Metzger of the University of Central Florida , will design and build a hot-fire test apparatus capable of simulating lunar gravity.
The Strategic and Geopolitical Significance of India’s Chandrayaan 3 Lunar Mission
Namrata Goswami discusses the strategic and geopolitical significance of India’s Chandrayaan 3 Lunar Mission in The Diplomat . Whereas lunar activities take place in a geopolitical context, the article looks at India's leadership role and its upcoming cooperation with Japan on the Moon. India's leadership role on the Moon is to be further reviewed by Namrata Goswami on September 27th in a Space Café Black Ops session with Emma Gatti .
The German Federal Government Enacts A New Space Strategy
The German Federal Government, through the federal cabinet, has approved a new space strategy.?The new space strategy recognizes the increasing importance of space for society, focusing on current and future challenges. In addition, this new strategy places particular emphasis on advancing private-sector initiatives in space, known as New Space – the use of space applications to combat climate change and responsible and sustainable actions related to?space. The strategy identifies nine fields of action for the German Federal Government: 1-?European and international cooperation ; 2-?Space as a growth market – High-tech and New Space ; 3-?Climate change, resources, and environmental protection ; 4-?Digitalization, data, and downstream ; 5-?Security, strategic capability, and global stability ; 6-?Sustainable use of space ; 7-?Space research ; 8-?International space exploration ; 9-?Space in dialogue and talent acquisition.
GEGSLA 3rd Operational Meeting
The GEGSLA operational meeting that took place on September 6th was a resounding success, marked by enriching discussions and invaluable insights shared by a lineup of esteemed industry representatives.
The event welcomed the following luminaries, who generously provided their perspectives on lunar exploration efforts:
These global leaders, representing diverse commercial entities and nations, played a pivotal role in shaping the discussions and advancing our collective journey toward sustainable lunar activities. They also provided their feedback on the GEGSLA Framework Chapters 5, 6, and 7 to support the work of GEGSLA Working Group 2 - Lunar Technical Coordination. These contributions are instrumental in furthering our mission. The presentations from our speakers are available here .
GEGSLA at the UN Science Summit
On September 20th, a captivating GEGSLA event unfolded at the United Nations Science Summit, as we were transported into the future of lunar exploration. This gathering featured an esteemed panel of experts, including members of the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA) and distinguished figures from the space industry.
Here's a recap of our esteemed speakers and panelists:
This event was convened and moderated by Sahba El-Shawa , GEGSLA Implementation Support Officer and Founder of JSRI - Jordan Space Research Initiative .
During this enlightening gathering, participants delved into the GEGSLA Recommended Framework and its pivotal components for promoting peaceful lunar activities. They discovered how this framework aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the forward-looking Summit for the Future. The event provided a unique opportunity to explore the future possibilities of lunar exploration and its profound impact on our world.
In case you missed it, the event recording is available here .
GEGSLA Implementation Support Officer Handover
After 6 months of working as the GEGSLA Implementation Support Officer (ISO), Sahba El-Shawa is leaving the role and being succeeded by Ulpia Elena Botezatu . During her time as ISO, Sahba developed a strong brand and community for GEGSLA, growing the Newsletter and LinkedIn page to over 600 followers. She has contributed to the establishment of the GEGSLA Working Groups, organized GEGSLA Operational Meetings, facilitated new partnerships, as well as convened the UN Science Summit event on behalf of GEGSLA. Starting October 1st, the GEGSLA ISO role will be assumed by Ulpia, who brings with her a wealth of experience within the UN COPUOS and the world of space policy. We welcome Ulpia to our community, and we are grateful for the important support of all the GEGSLA ISOs, who play a key role in ensuring the success and continuation of GEGSLA.
GEGSLA Framework Translation Efforts
In order to foster more international involvement, the GEGSLA Recommended Framework is currently being translated into other languages. Starting with the United Nations official languages, the Chinese, Arabic, and French versions of the framework has already been completed. The Chinese version is translated by GEGSLA participant Xu Yu and colleagues from the Translation & Interpretation Team of China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). The Arabic translation has also been completed by GEGSLA participant Nasr A. Al-Sahhaf , and the French translation has been completed by GEGSLA participants Christophe Bosquillon , Anne-Sophie MARTIN, Ph.D???? , and Marc Fournier .
You can access the translations of the GEGSLA framework using the following links:
We are currently looking for more volunteers to aid with the translation of the document into other languages, in particular Spanish and Russian. If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer and GEGSLA Participant, please fill out this Expression of Interest .
"Safety Zones" on the Moon at the Intersection of Legal Tech, Deep Tech, and Lunar Governance
As part of its "Collected Works on Composable Governance", the MIT Computational Law Report led by Dazza Greenwood has published an article by Christophe Bosquillon that looks at "Safety Zones" on the Moon at the intersection of legal tech, deep tech, and lunar governance. The discussion revolves around how algorithmic policy and multi-stakeholder governance of safe and sustainable lunar activities could support each other under various levels of systems automation and autonomy (the scope doesn't include Generative AI though, which may be covered in future articles). The article widely references the works conducted by GEGSLA, MVA, and our ecosystem partners. Christophe Bosquillon is a participant in GEGSLA since inception and currently a member of WG3 on lunar multistakeholder?coordination.?
Space Café Podcast #90: Space Archaeology and an attempt to rethink humanity with Dr. Alice Gorman
In this enlightening episode ,?Space Café Podcast?host Markus engages in a comprehensive discussion about space archaeology and space debris with Dr. Alice Gorman , an internationally recognized leader in the field of space archaeology and Vice-Chair Academia of GEGSLA. Dr. Gorman’s innovative research on space exploration has been featured in National Geographic, New Scientist, and Archaeology magazine. She is a revered faculty member of the International Space University’s Southern Hemisphere Space Program in Adelaide and a prolific author, her book “Dr. Space Junk vs The Universe: Archaeology and the Future” garnering several awards and commendations.
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.
Outreach Events on Lunar Coordination and the GEGSLA Framework
We invite all community members to join us in spreading lunar knowledge by organizing Outreach Events focused on Lunar Coordination and the GEGSLA Framework. Whether you're a seasoned space expert or simply curious about lunar advancements, outreach events provide a platform to discuss and learn about optimized lunar infrastructure and its implications for the future. It is a great opportunity to share insights, engage with fellow enthusiasts, and contribute to the expansion of lunar knowledge. If you are organizing an outreach event related to our work at GEGSLA or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]
7th International Moon Village Workshop & Symposium
Join us at the 7th Global Moon Village Workshop & Symposium, organized by the Moon Village Association . This annual event gathers leaders in lunar exploration, space commerce, and science, providing insights into key themes driving humanity's journey to the Moon. This event, co-chaired by John Mankins?(Vice President, MVA) and Yoshifumi Inatani?(MVA Board, Professor Emeritus, ISAS/JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ), is set to take place in Kurashiki and Tottori, Japan from December 7-10, 2023. The symposium covers a range of topics, including lunar programs, space resources, habitation, lunar commerce, legal aspects, and more. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay updated on the latest advancements in lunar exploration. Visit the website to register 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]
Competition to Name Australia's Lunar Rover
Australians are being presented with a unique opportunity to name an Australian-built rover destined for the Moon. The Australian Space Agency, in collaboration with NASA, is spearheading the development of an Australian-made rover as part of the Trailblazer program under the Moon to Mars initiative. This rover, utilizing Australia's expertise in remote operations, will collect lunar soil (regolith), a vital step in the quest for sustainable human presence on the Moon. Individuals and schools across Australia are invited to propose names for the rover along with a brief explanation for their choice. A shortlist of four names will be selected, and the public will have the chance to vote for the winning name, set to be revealed in December 2023 at the 16th Australian Space Forum in Sydney.
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.
GEGSLA is committed to advancing the cause of sustainable lunar exploration on a global scale. In line with MVA's mission, we promote peaceful, collaborative, and sustainable lunar activities while fostering international cooperation. We believe that the Moon holds immense potential for scientific, economic, and societal advancement and is vital to humanity's future.
In 2024, we have ambitious plans to further these goals:
1. Policy Advocacy within the UN Framework: We will continue our engagement with international space organizations and policymakers to advocate for policies promoting responsible lunar resource use. We'll share our Recommended Framework for Sustainable Lunar Activities, focusing on bodies like the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Summit of the Future (SoF).
2. Raising Awareness via Outreach: GEGSLA will actively raise awareness about lunar sustainability through webinars, seminars, and conferences. We aim to present our findings during COPUOS sessions, ensuring our recommendations are considered at the highest levels of space governance.
3. Collaborative Projects: We seek partnerships with organizations sharing our vision to initiate projects in lunar exploration, research, and sustainability, turning our framework into actionable solutions.
4. Working Groups: Expert-led working groups will tackle lunar sustainability facets, developing guidelines and recommendations.
Your sponsorship of GEGSLA for our 2024 activities directly contributes to lunar exploration and sustainable Moon presence. It supports planning and execution of these activities, ensuring their success. In return, we offer tailored benefits, including prominent visibility, acknowledgments, and networking opportunities.
By joining us, you demonstrate commitment to responsible space exploration and play a pivotal role in shaping lunar activities' future. We are actively seeking sponsors to be confirmed by end of November 2023.
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 at the International Astronautical Congress in Baku
We're pleased to announce GEGSLA's participation in the upcoming International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Baku. GEGSLA Secretariat Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu , Giuseppe Reibaldi , and Sahba El-Shawa , along with fellow GEGSLA experts Ian Christensen and Yu XU, will present a paper titled "The Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities: Recommended Framework and Key Elements for Peaceful and Sustainable Lunar Activities" as part of the 21st IAA Symposium on Visions and Strategies for the Future session D4: Contribution of Moon Village to Solving Global Societal Issues. This paper showcases the outcomes and future plans of GEGSLA, highlighting the Framework as well as its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Summit of the Future. Join us at IAC to learn more about this exciting development and be a part of shaping the future of lunar exploration.
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]