Chapter I. Name

The organization will be called the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) International Committee on Crew Safety and Technology Development.

Chapter II. Focus and Objectives

Article 2.1. The committee's primary goals are to facilitate the achievement of safe, routine space travel; the safe exploration and settlement of the solar system and the enrichment of life on Earth through people living and working safely in space.

Article 2.2. The objectives of the committee are to:

a. Identify the factors that will be critical to the safety and health of human crews on extended stays in space, along with ingenious and revolutionary solutions for overcoming any obstacles;

b. Identify promising advanced technologies that will enable practical human exploration of the solar system and make recommendations for development and implementation;

c. Promote and assist in the international standardization of space flight design and operational requirements with emphasis on crew safety.

Chapter III. Strategy

Article 3.1. The International Committee on Crew Safety and Technology Development will employ a broad spectrum approach to working its focus areas. The committee's deliberations, both internal and those involving the public, will always attempt to cover the full range of solutions made possible by existing and expected human space flight technology.

Chapter IV. Applicability

Article 4.1. All current and future international human space flight endeavors are under the purview of the committee.

Chapter V. Establishment

Article 5.1. The International Committee on Crew Safety and Technology Development is established as an operational committee of ASE to influence the programmatic and technical activities associated with human space programs both current and future. The committee will report directly to the ASE Executive Committee and will present status reports at the annual ASE congress.

Chapter VI. Membership

Article 6.1. Annually, at the ASE Congress (except for the first election in which both a Chair and a Chair-elect must be elected), the committee members nominate and elect by majority vote, a Chair for a two-year term. The Chair will normally (except for the first election) perform the duties of Executive Secretary for the first year of the term and then the duties of Chair for the second year.

Article 6.2. Members of the committee must be active members of ASE. Application is made by writing to the ASE office or directly to the committee chair.

Article 6.3. The committee membership should represent a cross-section of the international space-faring community.

Article 6.4. Advisory members from outside organizations may be added to the committee when requested by the Chair.

Article 6.5. Any member may resign from the committee upon so notifying the Chair in writing.

Chapter VII. Responsibilities

Article 7.1. The Chair is responsible for:

a. Reporting the findings and conclusions of the Crew Safety and Technology Development Committee to the ASE Executive Committee and at the annual ASE congress.

b. Reporting top issue status and recommendations to the appropriate personnel.

c. Summarizing committee concerns and recommend corrective actions to the responsible personnel.

d. Creating ad hoc splinter groups as required, to perform any activity needed to accomplish the aims of this charter.

e. Coordinating with other ASE committees and other outside organizations in an effort to resolve conflicts in timing and duplication of effort.

f. Establishing and directing the activities of the committee in accordance with the purpose set forth in this charter.

g. Scheduling regular committee meetings, approve the final agenda, topics to be discussed and approve the final meeting minutes.

Article 7.2. The Executive Secretary is responsible for:

a. Developing committee agendas, arranging for support services and facilities for committee meetings.

b. Recording committee meeting proceedings. Documenting the findings and conclusions of committee activities.

c. Recording issues and maintaining the list of top committee issues.

d. Distribution of appropriate materials and information to committee members.

Article 7.3. Committee members are responsible for:

a. Reviewing presentations made to the committee on issues and proposing actions as required for resolution.

b. Reviewing and making recommendations on the adequacy and appropriateness of action items or action item closure rationale.

c. Recommending plans and actions consistent with this charter.

d. Maintaining and completing assigned actions from the Committee Chair to further the purpose of the committee as stated in this charter.

e. Advising the Chair of significant concerns and issues identified through their areas of expertise, activity, and responsibility.

Chapter VIII. Meetings

Article 8.1. The committee will meet at least annually, coincident with the annual ASE Congress. Additional meetings may be called by the Chair, as required.

Chapter IX. Official Languages

Article 9.1. The official languages of the committee are English and Russian.

Chapter X. Awards

Article 10.1. In accordance with Article 2.6 of the ASE Charter, the committee will establish criteria for and sponsor an ASE Crew Safety Award. Its purpose will be to recognize significant contributions to improving the future of human space flight crews.

Article 10.2. The committee will sponsor an annual fellowship for a graduate or post-graduate student engaged in an area of research that holds promise for advances in the field of crew safety.

Chapter XI. Outreach

Article 11.1. In accordance with Article 4.1.4. of the ASE Charter, and working through the International Committee on Policy, Liaison and Public Relations, the committee will make special efforts to organize and sponsor public sessions at the annual ASE Congress and at other appropriate times for the purpose of involving the public in committee focus areas.

Chapter XII. Financial Support

Article 12.1. Financial support for committee activities will be provided in accordance with Article 5.3 of the ASE Charter.

Chapter XIII. Duration

Article 13.1. The committee will continue in existence until terminated by a two-thirds vote of the delegates at an annual ASE congress.