I agree, I think something this big should be global. Think of what could be done if each country put in just 5 billion a year. Just 10 countries alone would give 50 billion dollars a year, 5 times as much as what is being spent now in the US. Think of the possibilities.

Why?

The assumption that an international effort would be less expensive per nation hasn't proven true with the Space Station. Internationalizing an effort tends to slow it down. This is especially true in today's world where governing elites are more interested in form over function, and don't really care whether we ever reach Mars, since -- to them -- what matters is getting U.S. bucks to prop up their underfunded "contributions" to the effort. They also are looking for one-way "technology transfer" from the U.S. to their countries' military efforts.

Forget it. Bad idea.

The only problem with this is when the partner can not for fill their obligation. The shuttle being grounded is just that example at this time.
Being relient on the shuttle as the only heavy lift vehicle was foulish. Also it was the large passenger carrier for the US. So now we are down to only staffing the station with only two bodies instead of the proposed 7 to 12 that was in the plans upon completion.

All true, what I am speaking of is an organization that is an independent entity, funded and governed by all participating Governments. Something of a United Nations of Space Administration and Research. Of course they would have to have independent authority and not just the biggest paying Government calling the shots.

Sammy: I sent such a thought to the commission only a few weeks ago:
Sometime ago I promissed to send the space un concept to the moon to mar commission well here is what I put together.

I hope it meets with your satisfaction. MoontoMars reference id #5928

It is time for a unified space nation.

I went to the space.com site and saw what I think would make a great International space Flag. I think all the international partners should advocate such a process to make space for all nations with peaceful intent recognized as if it were the new UN but of space and for Space. Since the UN is here in America then let’s make the International Space Exploration union in Russian for all space faring nations to join.

I think De-militarization of space is a good "ideal" so long as all countries look at space for peaceful ends. I feel that there will never be a problem with the use of Satellites but when the first real weapon is there, now then that will open up a whole new cold war. This one will be in outer space rather than around Berlin. This way the space missions could bring Earth I feel a big step closer to World Peace.

A great step for mankind would be if the USA, Europe, Russia and China would cooperate with their missions in such a way that shared budgets, probes and anything else. I feel it would benefit everybody as well to be sharing of data from probes and other resources. Not to mention the budget that the world powers could generate together would be better unitized.

With so many space agencies popping up, now is the time to unify them. I have been saying for years that the space agencies of the world need to standardize parts and measurements. Everyone needs to be using the metric system for distance and volume measurements. Also, similar computer components need to be used. Recently I thought of the importance of astronauts on the surface of Mars being able to use dead spacecraft for spare parts or for that fact on the ISS. If identical parts were used as often as possible it would also make space travel cheaper since there would be more competition in the market. As things are now we have very little that is reusable and compatible from rocket to rocket. When you constantly have to have special made parts it is of coarse more expensive. Spare parts also brings to mind the need for back up systems, this is why I've been saying that the international community needs to standardize all parts going into Mars missions so that rovers, landers, etc can be used for their parts when we do send people.

In closing an interplanetary UN will be needed to settle land disputes when people are living on the Moon or Mars. It might also be helpful in preventing LEO (Low Earth Orbit) from becoming the next battle field.

It is time for a unified space nation.

Posted by Harold LaValley at April 26, 2026 07:47 AM

Forget any "International Space Organizations."

Humanity will not move out into space in any great numbers until entities smaller than entire nations can afford to do so, much less multi-nation consortiums.

International efforts are based on two premises: 1) Going into space must be expensive, and that is a constant, therefore we must share the load. 2) Space is too important to be left to independent groups.

Both premises are false.

From MarsNews site:
I, for one, am all for the international exploration of space. This seems the best way to try and divert this need for destruction that we humans seem to have at presnt...however, if the other countries want to be partners, please don't make "Me" pay for their partnership. Chip in your share and all will be well. Make me pay the majority of the cost and I will not be happy. Share my burden or don't ask to share in the glory.

Posted by Alex Hakobian at May 4, 2026 09:04 PM
The only problem with this is when the partner can not for fill their obligation. The shuttle being grounded is just that example at this time.
Being relient on the shuttle as the only heavy lift vehicle was foulish. Also it was the large passenger carrier for the US. So now we are down to only staffing the station with only two bodies instead of the proposed 7 to 12 that was in the plans upon completion.

Posted by Harold LaValley at May 5, 2026 04:10 AM
The spacedaily article about hubble II says it all. Unless the commissions report spells out for congress the missing details for funding this project we will be stuck in LEO for the next 30 before trying again.

Posted by Harold LaValley at May 5, 2026 04:51 AM
Alex, have you read what Harold said? Just what I wanted to say. If somebody is 'failing', it's America: The shuttle + the ESA's Spacelab= in the early eighties it was said that this combination would go to space 20! times a year. That's why Esa invested in the lab! And now with the ISS: America doesn't need the thing anymore, screw the partners, we complete the thing and then we're gone. The same case for serveral other investments, like the 6-person escape pod for the ISS was build, it had a test-flight and: sorry, we don't want to invest no more. Result: ISS has still the small Russian escape pod, and only 3 people can work in the ISS.
I'm not saying the future plans are stupid (and that the Spacelab & ISS is the best thing to do!) but partners must make plans together. That's the whole point of being partners. It's not like 'with us, or against us'.
But I really don't care about those things: what matters is the future; Up to Mars!
( by the way, I'm NOT a native speaker of english! ;-) )

Posted by Kristof Pollet at May 5, 2026 04:55 AM
I also find that Boeing and Lockheed have dropped the ball with regards to not providing a man rated crew transportaion module, regardless of the fact that the x-38 was also most ready for use after it's cancellation.
If commericial space is to be in the future for space manufacturing companies. They must design what Nasa needs before Nasa thinks that it needs it. Build it and they will buy it reather than contracting from the same old companies of old.

Posted by Harold LaValley at May 5, 2026 05:10 AM