SCOTT HOROWITZ*

Over the past 50 years, humans have made significant strides in space exploration. What rises above the specific details of these accomplishments, however is the worldwide effort and cooperation that made them possible. I believe that the growing spirit of collaboration, linked to the growing number of nations and organizations involved in space and the increasing scope of global space activity, will provide the framework required for even greater accomplishments. The number of countries involved in space exploration has grown from a small, select group beginning in the 1950s to more than 80 nations that today have organized efforts to use space exploration to benefit their societies. The future of space exploration will be grounded in such international involvement and, more importantly, in collaboration among nations to benefit people everywhere.

*Associate Administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at Nasa headquarters in Washington, D.C.