Official Nasa Communication Hq 07126 Exploration Framework

May 31, 2007 Melissa Mathews/Michael Braukus Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1272/1979 RELEASE: 07-126 NASA, 13 SPACE AGENCIES RELEASE EXPLORATION STRATEGY FRAMEWORK WASHINGTON - NASA and 13 space agencies from around the world are releasing the latest product of their Global Exploration Strategy discussions. The document, "The Global Exploration Strategy: The Framework for Coordination," reflects a shared vision of space exploration focused on solar system destinations where humans may someday live and work. The framework document allows for the establishment of a voluntary, non-binding mechanism by which space agencies can exchange information on their respective space exploration plans. This coordination mechanism will play a key role in helping to identify gaps, overlaps and synergies in the space exploration plans of participating agencies. The framework document is an important step in an evolving process toward a comprehensive global approach to space exploration. Although the document is non-binding, its contents are consistent with ongoing bilateral and multilateral discussions that NASA intends to lead to cooperative agreements for specific projects. In addition to NASA, representatives from agencies in Australia, Canada, China, the European Space Agency, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, the Republic of Korea and Ukraine participated in the Global Exploration Strategy discussions. Many participants are meeting this week in Spineto, Italy, to discuss the development of the coordination mechanism and other issues. The framework document is available at: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/178109main_ges_framework.pdf To learn more about NASA's future space exploration plans, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration -end-