From Regional Climate Modelling to the Exploration of Venus
C. Boutron
J. Phys. IV France 139 (2006) 21-35
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:2006139004
Future steps in the exploration of the Solar System
M. CoradiniEuropean Space Agency, Science Directorate, 8-10 rue Mario Nikis, 75738 Paris Cedex 15, France
(Published online: 9 January 2007)
Abstract
The last ten years have been characterized by a renewed
worldwide effort of exploration of the Solar System, which has produced
spectacular new data and concluded the "discovery" phase. The next decades
will focus on refinement of knowledge and will tackle specific problems such
as the boundary conditions for the onset and maintenance of life on
planetary bodies. Final understanding of the formation and evolution of
planetary systems is expected, also based on the observation of extra solar
systems and possible detection of "habitable" extra solar planets.
© EDP Sciences 2006