Panel Discussion - Extending the Frontiers of Space Measurement

There is a resurgence in space exploration activity. In 2004, the US announced plans to return to the moon by 2020. Supporting this new mission requires a new generation of launch and exploration vehicles. Recently, China's space program has placed astronauts into orbit and is planning crewed lunar exploration missions by the end of the next decade. The remarkable photographs returned by the Mars rovers and the longevity of the rovers have underscored the promise of autonomous exploration vehicles. Rutan's company, Scaled Composites, won the X Prize in 2004; we may be on the brink of a new wave of commercial and tourist access to space. Panelists will provide brief position statements amplifying the unique aspects of their work as they relate to significant challenges of measurements in support of space exploration. The discussion led by the panel will explore the ramifications for the measurement community. During the remaining portion of the session, panelists and session attendees will discuss mechanisms for furthering technical interchange at future conferences and workshops.