Dedicated to Space exploration, automated as well as manned, the purpose of the conference is to focus on a few important themes underpinning Space Exploration with the aim of providing useful input to agencies or other bodies in charge of building programmes.

Several keynote speeches given by leading personalities will address exploration purposes and policies. Introduced by an overview of the current state of play of scientific knowledge and technical progress, seven sessions will examine aspects often under-represented in space policies but fundamental for most exploration projects. Each theme will be prepared by a dedicated group of experts, tasked with publishing a detailed paper on the conference website summarising the main issues to be addressed and providing first orientations.