Exploration

Abstract

“Together let us explore the stars.” These words spoken by John F. Kennedy in 1961 are still relevant today. Even if many nations recognise that the continuation of the space venture, particularly towards deep space, is not possible without increased international cooperation, the reality of such cooperation is still a far cry from the vision of the American president. His invitation to explore the stars remains however both a project and a responsibility claimed by a number of countries, regardless of their more deeply rooted motivations or associated reasons: competition and the demonstration of a technical, scientific and political ambition are some of the main reasons. We must not allow these reasons to obliterate the biological and human roots of inclination, propensity and enthusiasm for exploration, which has driven the space venture from the outset.