Space Environment Community Perspectives for The Post-ISS Era - Phase 1 |
Introduction to the survey
Dear colleague,
The Life and Physical Sciences Panel of the European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) considers that our community is facing important new challenges. We feel that there are important concerns for microgravity research after ISS closure. In addition, new scientific perspectives will be offered by Moon and Mars exploration, but these perspectives are not clear yet. We are thus approaching you, as an experienced researcher in space environment, to inquire about your opinion.
The Life and Physical Sciences Panel of the European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) considers that our community is facing important new challenges. We feel that there are important concerns for microgravity research after ISS closure. In addition, new scientific perspectives will be offered by Moon and Mars exploration, but these perspectives are not clear yet. We are thus approaching you, as an experienced researcher in space environment, to inquire about your opinion.
ESSC plans a study in two phases. In the first phase, we are surveying colleagues involved in experiments relating to space environment (microgravity, radiation, isolation, vacuum, etc.), to better identify the requirements of each community regarding post-ISS platforms, Moon and Mars platforms, and long-term research perspectives. This will help identify any needs, and possible gaps, which will then be addressed in the second phase of this study, at a later stage.
The second phase (to be initiated in autumn 2021) will consist of a more detailed survey focused on the issues highlighted in this first phase. The study will be important we think, as it will summarize the views and wishes of our community. The study is a fully ESSC funded activity and will be performed independently of ESA and national space agencies. We have informed them of our project, and its outcome will be presented to them once the study is completed.
We therefore hope that you will be interested in our initiative and that you will accept to fill in the first survey, which should take you about 30 minutes.
We thank you very much for your help in the matter.
Best regards,
The second phase (to be initiated in autumn 2021) will consist of a more detailed survey focused on the issues highlighted in this first phase. The study will be important we think, as it will summarize the views and wishes of our community. The study is a fully ESSC funded activity and will be performed independently of ESA and national space agencies. We have informed them of our project, and its outcome will be presented to them once the study is completed.
We therefore hope that you will be interested in our initiative and that you will accept to fill in the first survey, which should take you about 30 minutes.
We thank you very much for your help in the matter.
Best regards,
Alexander Chouker, Chair Elect
Chris Rapley, ESSC Chair