[Lauchenoiria]

Robert Jokinen of Zongongia was excited about this opportunity. He'd asked for this meeting of the Social, Cultural & Scientific Council to finally discuss in an official capacity the creation of an international space station. Zongongia had been in informal talks with a number of nations about the possibility for months now, and this was the next stage to making it a reality. Jokinen had been a physicist before he became a diplomat, and the 68-year-old was almost jumping with joy at the chance to propose this in the meeting. After decades of trying to remain as inoffensive and quiet as possible, Zongongia was finally going to actually try and do something.

"Thank you all for coming today," he addressed the meeting the second the clock ticked over to the official starting time. "I'm very happy to be here on behalf of Zongongia to propose the creation of an international space station. There has been interest in such an endeavour from multiple nations over the years, notably Wosteaque, Libertas Omnium Maximus, and Haesan. Of course, we do acknowledge the financial cost of such an affair - but think of all the possibilities for scientific discovery, experimentation, and international cooperation! I'd like to open the floor to anyone who wishes to share their initial thoughts on the idea."

[Libertas Omnium Maximus]

Dr. Carter Harrison, the portly and bespeckled Maximusian representative to the SCSC, a chemical engineer by education who had joined his nation’s diplomatic corps nearly three decades ago, cast his eyes to his lap contemplatively as the Zongogian representative concluded his opening address and shut off his microphone. After collecting his thoughts for a few seconds and adjusting a hefty stack of papers on his own desk, Dr. Harrison flicked on his own microphone and spoke to the committee-of-the-whole, his resonant, gravely baritone reverberating off the walls of the spacious SCSC chamber.

“Ladies, gentlemen of this committee, I would like to thank Mr. Jokinen of Zongongia for introducing the topic of international collaboration on a permanent low-earth-orbit manned space station for our discussion this morning. While the cost of such an installation cannot be understated, the opportunity for practical research into the human physiological response to prolonged exposure to zero-gees and other matters of universal scientific value is unprecedented.”

Pausing to clear his throat, Harrison carefully flipped through a lengthy memo on his desk from the R&D department of the Maximusian Aerospace Authority, stopping on a page displaying an itemized ledger. He inhaled deeply before continuing.

“As some of you may know, the Maximusian Space Program has been primarily focused on orbital assembly procedures for the past decade, and we have made significant strides in reducing the cost and increasing the reliability of this process. Our A3 super-heavy launch vehicle, which is in the final stages of development, can safely carry 67 tons into low-earth-orbit for around M$94 million per launch. While we do not have any preliminary schematics drawn up for the station itself, we estimate that, depending on the structure parameters, the station may require anywhere from 4 to 13 individual launches to assemble. So, getting the station into orbit, excluding the costs of constructing the modules themselves, will cost anywhere from M$376 million to over a billion. We believe that these figures indicate that the A3 super-heavy launch vehicle is the most inexpensive reliable vehicle available at this time for the assembly of the station, but would appreciate the input of any other member states with viable alternative launch systems.”

Scratching his chin, the Maximusian representative once again paused to shuffle through the documents on his desk, dog-earing the ledger. Looking up from his notes briefly, Carter shot a grin to the Zongongian delegate before continuing.

“With the status of the A3 launch system expounded upon, I’d like to move on to the larger questions that this committee needs to address, and I’ll explain the Maximusian stance on these queries, as well. First, what sort of chain of authority would be best suited for this project? It is conceivable that a joint-enterprise between participating member state space programs would be sufficient, though we may be better served establishing a central LIDUN commission. The former may produce jurisdictional discrepancies, while the later will no doubt generate an additional layer of expense and bureaucratic red tape. The Maximusian stance on this issue is to keep central authority in the hands of individual member states by forming a joint enterprise independent of LIDUN scaffolding, but I am eager to hear this committee’s stance on the question. Second, I think it is imperative that we establish an approximate budget and expected contributions from participating member states. A small, non-permanent space station could be assembled for around twelve billion, but it may not have all the functionality we desire. Conversely, there is really no upper limit to the budget for a project like this one. The Maximusian Space Program is currently petitioning for additional funding, but our yearly contributions likely will not be able to exceed 600-to-700 million at this time. I am hopeful that this figure will increase, however. Lastly, the research capabilities of a space station can be tailored to a particular scientific discipline. We, as a collective body, should make sure that our intended mission parameters are roughly compatible before preliminary design begins on the station. The Maximusian Space Program is particularly interested in researching the long term effects of zero gravity habitation on the human body and streamlining habitation systems for future manned deep space expeditions. We hope that these goals are in line with those of fellow member states, and look forward to hearing their input at this time.”

With a sigh, Harrison switched off his microphone and sipped on a glass of ice water on his desk. The scale of this undertaking was not at all lost on the 61 year old diplomat. He stood precariously on a proverbial razors edge between what could either be among the most scientifically significant international collaborations in human history or a costly and dangerous calamity. With a start, the Maximusian representative realized that he had begun to sweat through his thin mustard-colored cotton dress-shirt.

[Lauchenoiria]

Robert Jokinen stood up once again in response, flicking through his tablet for the needed information. "With regards to the chain of authority, Zongongia is willing to operate under either of the proposed frameworks, be it a joint enterprise between specific nations, or within the framework of LIDUN. We will therefore defer to other interested parties regarding the making of such a decision. We do believe that it would be best to establish a system of alternating command on board the station through citizens of participating states, to ensure no one state develops a clear monopoly on the position."

"On the matter of budget," he continued, "we will be able to contribute similar amounts to the Maximusians; however we would also be constrained by this limitation. The project, therefore, will only be able to go ahead if there is a sufficient quantity of interested parties. Establishing the station under a LIDUN framework, however, may also give us other avenues for budgetary allocations. Something to consider when debating the previous matter."

Jokinen pushed his glasses up his nose and took a drink of water before continuing. "As for mission parameters; we still have numerous groups vying for funding in Zongongia. However, we would like to second the Maximusian desire for research into zero-G habitation and applications thereof; so we would not have any concerns regarding the Maximusian priorities. I would invite any other interested parties to share their thoughts."

[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

Dr. Anika Velitē, an aerospace engineer and prominent official in the Eirian Ministry of Scientific Development, cleared her throat and turned on her microphone. "Thank you, Dr. Harrison and Mr. Joniken." While her English was clear, her Serenity Island accent still gave her voice a unique timbre and cadence. "I personally enjoyed hearing about the A3 Booster, and I would love to have more extended discussions about boosters and costs at a later date."

"To give some more input, while we may have an idea for an effective booster, that means little if we aren't able to build an actual station. As such, I would like to take a moment to bring up Project Cēlavra, a grant program funded by the Eirian Ministry of Scientific Development. This program gave millions of Lunens to experts at over a dozen universities in order to create designs and prototypes for zero-G station elements that prioritize sustainability and astronaut safety."

"Among the station elements that have been designed are living quarters, labs, airlocks, and even a greenhouse. These modules would provide for an ideal station in order to study the effects of a zero-G environment on human, plant, and microbial life, all of which interest the Eirian government. In addition, many of Project Cēlavra's designs are made using standardized parts and measurements, allowing for easy modification and integration into other modules. Project Cēlavra may not provide all of the elements that will be needed in a space station, but I believe it will be a good start."

Velitē glanced around the table at the other delegations. "As for the cost, the Ministry of Scientific Development is willing to contribute similar amounts as the honorable representatives from Zongongia and Libertas Omnium Maximus have stated, provided that enough nations contribute so that such a project is possible. However, I would like to raise a few more concerns, if I may. First, once a set design for the station is decided on, where will the modules be constructed? And even though this second question may be a little preemptive, I believe it is better to have this discussion sooner than later, in order to reduce disagreements: How will a crew for the station be decided? How can we ensure a fair divide of astronaut time for individual member states?"

The Eirian turned off her microphone and sat back, waiting to hear a reply.

[Libertas Omnium Maximus]

As the Eirian delegate returned to her seat, Representative Harrison waited with bated breath for one of the dozens of other representatives present to pipe up. He tapped his foot methodically against the leg of his wooden chair in nervous anticipation. Harrison was far from the world’s leading expert on aerospace engineering—if he was, he certainly would not have been called upon to serve in his current capacity—but the prospect of proudly watching as a Maximusian astronaut boarded a launch vehicle headed for the first ever space station of its kind left the chemical engineer-turned-diplomat giddy with excitement. Harrison knew that a functional internationally manned and funded, low-orbit space station was years and at least a few billion dollars in the future, but the first real steps towards that future would have to occur in the hallowed halls of the LIDUN headquarters.

After it became clear that no other delegates wished to speak before hearing clarification on the nascent propositions being presented by Representatives Velite, Jokinen, and Harrison, the Maximusian delegate sought recognition from the chair to speak, and was accordingly given the floor. Harrison hoisted his sizable frame from his chair, arranging a series of notes hastily-scribbled on a pale-yellow legal pad before him, before flipping on his microphone to speak.

“Based on the statements made by the representatives from Eiria and Zongongia, it seems that a generalized mission objective, studying the long term effects of zero-gravity habitation on human spacefarers, can be reasonably assumed. With these guiding parameters in mind, we still need to address the structure of the body or sub agency tasked with researching, constructing, launching, staffing, and operating the space station. We also need to settle on something approaching a preliminary budget, as I strongly suspect funding will prove to be the ultimate constraint on this operation. In order to address either or both of these pressing concerns in an informed manner, I think a non-binding headcount of delegations willing to participate in this undertaking is in order. It goes without saying that the Maximusians are on board, and I gather the same can be said for the Zongongians and Erians, but I had hoped to see more interest in such a potentially era-defining undertaking. As a species, I believe we are on the precipice of a new frontier, but we need all hands on deck.”

Harrison paused for a few seconds after delivering what he hoped was a hard-hitting call to arms to his fellow representatives, many of whom, like Dr. Harrison, were men and women united in a passion for the sciences and a desire to promote the advancement of scientific research worldwide, beyond borders and above the din of petty international squabble.

[Haesan]

The Haesanite representative looked down at the brief in front of him, looking quite disheartened.  With a disappointed tone he read from his script: "While the delegation from Haesan concurs that exploring space is one of the noblest frontiers in scientific exploration, we regret that we can only provide minimal financial support for this initiative.  Critical economic and security crises are currently roiling our nation, and our national budget is more constrained than usual.  Haesan has long held a deep love for space and its mysteries, and we would welcome the opportunity to help provide support in ways that would not require extensive legislative approval.  For instance, Haesan would be willing to provide support for the training of astronauts and other personnel, in our recently renovated and expanded facilities at our National Center for Space Exploration.  Additionally, Haesan would be enthusiastic about allowing access to launch sites and engineering expertise both in the initial stage and for potential resupply missions.  And of course, Haesan would be honored to send astronauts to the finished space station to help facilitate research and deepen our understanding of the unknown.  While we understand this is maybe not what you were hoping for, Haesan would love to see this project come to fruition, and regrets that it cannot provide more support."
The delegate sat back in his chair, shaking his head in disbelief.  For a nation that prides itself in being a leader in space exploration, this response was beyond weak.  He only hoped it would be enough to maintain a veneer of respectability.

[Doatia]

Ambassador Wostiki had a personal obsession with space exploration. Although he secured his spot as Doatia's leading diplomat on the SCSC by being a expert meteorologist-turned-politician-turned-diplomat, space was always something that intrigued him.

Having served on the SCSC since Doatia's admission into LIDUN, the subject of an International Space Station was something Chancellor Bernadino said was not a priority. After being briefed upon his appointment to the post of serving on this council, he was to have a meeting with then-Chancellor Bernadino to discuss Doatia priorities for this council. He was excited to discuss the space station proposal with her, hoping to get Doatia to support the initiative.

When he presented it to her, she said it was a "waste of political capital." Her priorities, of course, were seeking international cooperation on the curing of cancer and aids. A goal she wasn't able to accomplish during her multi-decade tenures as Chancellor and the co-chair of the historic EJP-PLP coalition, mainly due to Doatia's former neutrality on international affairs, which the mandate for was struck down by the supreme court earlier this year, and economic concerns and budgetary constrains.

But, after finally getting a meeting with Chancellor Recardo after her election, he was excited at the prospect of discussing the space station again. The Chancellor has been busy meeting with members of her administration and members of the Chamber, busy implementing her recently passed budgets and investments. Parts of her budget included increased funding for science and increased caps on Doatia's allowable contribution to LIDUN, which have tripled.

During the meeting, Chancellor Recardo agreed that Doatia's contribution to an International Space Station must be a priority. She committed the remainder of the budgetary surplus established in her budget, and additional funding dependent on certain conditions. Although the Ambassador originally sought the creation of a space agency, Recardo said there is no point if Doatia can simply cooperate with members of the international community who are already much more advanced and prepared for the questions, challenges, answers, and potential problems ahead, regarding space launch, orbit, and travel.

Wearing his best suit and shoes, he rose to be recognized. With him, he had his perfectly organized binder, and was completely prepared for the responsibility before him. Shaking from excitement about discussing something as extraordinary as this, he prepared to begin.

"Firstly, id like to express gratitude to those who have led and participated in the conversation. It took Doatia a while to get our bearings after joining this esteemed international body, but I assure you, securing Doatia's contribution on this matter has remained a priority for me. While Doatia currently has no space agency, and has no interest in creating one, it does have a large and advanced science program. Doatia is able to contribute the remainder of our current surplus, $127 Million, immediately. We can also commit to up to $727 Million at the next appropriation in December.

Doatia would like to contribute at least 2 permanent scientists, rotated out of a group of 8, assigned to the station, to be trained for and a member of any future mission or assignment. In terms of an international agency to oversee the operation of said station, I think a commission of state members of the space program would suffice. I think we must form an agency, under the oversight of the SCSC, conformed of members of the space agency. Something like the Space Exploration and Study Cooperative (SESC). The name isn't important.

I think a certain amount of the agency's funding should be contributed by LIDUN, as approved by this council. Something like 20-25%. The remainder should be contributed by interested parties, who then gain a seat on the space agency.

I see no reason why a portion of funding can't come from LIDUN, whether or not the agency is governed by a joint enterprise of participating nations. Less red tape. This council still would have oversight over such an agency.

We've talked enough about the questions before us. How about some potential solutions?

I think, immediately, we must study the exact costs of such an agency, and propose it's creation. That's step 1. Once the agency is created, interested LIDUN member nations offer their contributions and a budget is finalized; said members also gain a seat on the board governing the agency. The agency, obviously, remains under this council's supervision. That's step 2.

Step 3 is studying the exact costs of the station and weigh those costs against our established budget.

We'd also like to weigh in on the manufacturing of the pieces, parts, and materials for the station. I believe all board members should nominate a bid on each project from a company in their nation, and the board as a whole decides on the best bid, considering skill, experience, and cost.

Doatia's priorities include study on zero-gravity habitation, some of our others, however, may not be relevant for a long time, but they include study of life sustainable on other planets, as well as the exploration and study of our solar system in general. Thank you!"

[Libertas Omnium Maximus]

A grin creeped across Dr. Harrison’s face as he listened intently to the Doatian representative’s statement, raising an eyebrow at the $727 million figure mentioned by Ambassador Wostiki. While the Maximusian representative’s disappointment at Haesan’s inability to assure a meaningful contribution to the project was palpable, Doatia’s apparent extensive interest eased some of Harrison’s mounting concerns that participation would be insufficient to secure the funding needed to get the station off the ground. With four nations, including the Maximusian Republic, tentatively prepared to go the distance in seeing a LIDUN space station constructed, Harrison read through the proposal on his desk one last time before tabling it. As Ambassador Wostiki switched off his microphone, Harrison nodded solemnly before standing to speak.

“Thank you Ambassador Wostiki. We are extremely excited to hear your thoughts and willingness to be a part of this monumental undertaking at hand. At this time, the Maximusian delegation is ready to present our proposal to this Social, Cultural, and Scientific Council. We believe that it incorporates many of the suggestions offered by the Doatian, Eirian, and Zongongian delegations. We welcome input, particularly on the funding clause, as described in the proposal.”

SCSC Prop 1 A.pdf Size: 52.27 KB  Downloads: 24

SCSC Prop 1 B.pdf Size: 59.09 KB  Downloads: 18

[Haesan]

The Haesanite delegate spoke with a total reversal of expression from before, "The delegation from Haesan is pleased to announce that the government has approved funding for our participation in this venture!  We are happy to help coordinate this project, and are in firm support of these proposals.  As before, we are happy to provide our engineering expertise and training facilities, and are excited to be a part of the next frontier of space research."  He sat down, trying to avoid the glares of the Doatian delegation.  However, this was certainly the best news he'd ever received from Hwagang throughout his tenure in international diplomacy.