The exploration and development of space: The International Space Station and beyond

This paper addresses a central question facing space-faring peoples at the beginning of the 21st century: why should nations undertake ambitious programs of exploration and development of space - and how should humans be involved in these ventures? The paper touches briefly on the key foundation which the International Space Station (ISS), now nearing completion, will provide. It then discusses a series of challenging future space goals and objectives - each individually important or engaging, but compelling when viewed collectively. The paper concludes with a summary of some notional nearer-term activities that the international community might undertake to refine and plan effectively for these future undertakings.