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I. Name The organization will be called the Association of Space Explorers and is designated below as the ASE. Chapter II. Purposes Article 2.1. The ASE is an international nongovernmental organization. Its purpose is:
Article 2.2. The ASE holds regular congresses of the Association and organizes international conferences. Article 2.3. Each congress shall have its own theme, and in consultation with the host, the theme will be approved by the executive committee. Article 2.4. The ASE coordinates the activities of its members, including, in particular, the preparation and publication of joint popular-scientific and textbook-style publications, posters, TV films, and the organization of exhibitions. Article 2.5. The ASE effects cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations in implementing joint efforts for the use of space. Article 2.6. The ASE shall have awards, presented periodically to individuals who have particularly distinguished themselves in a field relative to space exploration. Awardees shall be selected by the Executive Committee. Article 2.7. Any contacts on behalf of the ASE with the government of any country and its leadership are undertaken after appropriate consultations with the Executive Committee of the Association. Chapter III. Membership Article 3.1. Membership in the organization is open to any person who has completed at least one orbit of the Earth in space (as defined by the FAI) in a spacecraft. Article 3.2. In countries or regions of the world where five or more participants in space flight live permanently, National or Regional Committees may be formed by these members to coordinate local ASE activities. Article 3.3. Astronauts (cosmonauts) are received as members of the ASE by attending a Congress or by giving written notice of their desire to become a member of ASE to the Executive Committee or to a National or Regional Committee, subject to approval at a regular Congress of the Association. Congress attendance is an essential responsibility of members. Article 3.4. At appropriate intervals each affiliate submits reports on its activities to the Executive Committee. The functions of the Executive Committee include determining whether or not the work being conducted by each affiliate corresponds to the purposes and aims of the ASE. Article 3.5. An ASE member may resign from the Association upon so notifying the Executive Committee in writing. Article 3.6. A country which is the native-born country of a space flight participant and in which that person holds citizenship shall qualify to become a member country of the Association of Space Explorers. Such country shall gain membership by application or by hosting an annual congress. Ratification requires support by two-thirds of the votes of the delegates at a Congress. Chapter IV. Structure Article 4.1. The supreme governing body of the Association is the ASE Congress, at which all members are represented. Article 4.1.1. All decisions at the Congress are taken by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, on the understanding that every effort will be made to achieve a consensus. Article 4.1.2. Observers from international and national organizations which support the purposes of the Association may be present. With Executive Committee approval such observers may be admitted to closed sessions and may be allowed to speak at any session. Article 4.1.3. Press releases accepted at the Congress, appeals, and other final documents may be sent to the United Nations and other international organizations which desire to establish contact with the Association. Article 4.1.4. By decision of the ASE sessions of the Congress will be either public or confidential. By consensus of the delegates other Congress materials may also be made public. Article 4.2. During intervals between Congresses activities of the Association are coordinated by the Executive Committee. Article 4.2.1 The Executive Committee consists of:
Article 4.2.2. No member of the Executive Committee elected at a Congress may serve more than two consecutive terms. Article 4.2.3. In such case that an elected sitting member of the Executive Committee becomes president of a National or Regional Committee which is recognized by the Executive Committee, that member shall immediately occupy the Executive Committee seat designated for occupation by the president of the member's respective National or Regional Committee. Vacancies so created in elected positions on the Executive Committee shall be filled by elections at the next succeeding Congress. Article 4.2.4. No more than three representatives of any one country may be members of the Executive Committee. Article 4.2.5. The Executive Committee conducts the current affairs of the Association and implements decisions adopted by the Congress. Article 4.2.6. Decisions of the Executive Committee are adopted by consensus. Questions which are not resolved by consensus will be referred to the next regular Congress. Article 4.2.7. The Executive Committee meets during each Congress and, when necessary, between Congresses at the request of the Executive Committee members. Article 4.2.8. When acting for the ASE the Executive Committee and its members must limit their activities to those which are guided by the aims and purposes of the Association, as provided in the Articles of this Charter. Article 4.2.9. Between congresses the ASE establishes working groups from among its members to discuss specific problems and issues associated with the work of the Association to prepare reports and materials for forthcoming congresses. Chapter V. Finances Article 5.1. The financial resources of the ASE comprise the annual dues paid by affiliates, dues from individual members, contributions and voluntary payments by public organizations, foundations and individuals interested in supporting the activities of the Association, corporate sponsorships, and also funds raised through ASE activities (sales of books, pamphlets, posters, badges, paid lectures, etc.). Article 5.1.1. Potential minimum annual payment by an affiliated National or Regional Association, as well as any dues paid by an individual member, are determined from time to time by the Congress on the basis of recommendations by the Executive Committee. Article 5.1.2. The Executive Committee coordinates its fund-raising activities with its affiliates in the country or group of countries in which such activities are taking place. Article 5.2. Annual membership dues are deposited into the ASE account at a date established by the Executive Committee. Article 5.3. ASE funds are to be expended on the permanent headquarters staff, business trips by Executive Committee officials which are connected with their discharge of Association business, the organization and conduct of Congresses and Executive Committee meetings, as well as on any other aspects of the Association's activities which promote the implementation of its official purposes. Chapter VI. Official Languages Article 6.1. The official languages of the ASE are English and Russian. Chapter VII. Symbols of the ASE Article 7.1. The emblem of the Association is a space helmet with the earth reflected in the visor. Chapter VIII. The Headquarters Article 8.1. The ASE headquarters are located in Houston and Moscow. Chapter IX. Article 9.1. Changes and amendments to this Charter require support by two thirds of the votes of the Congress delegates. Proposals for changes or amendments must be submitted to the executive committee prior to the Congress at which they are to be taken up. Article 9.2. If the ASE is dissolved, all its property will be transferred to the possession of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) or other organization, as determined by the Congress, for use on activities associated with the aims and purposes formulated in Chapter 2. |