Timeline purpose: This timeline will be used to guide the definition of example near-term space logistics architectures

The transformation to an initial spacefaring capability, with the ability to conduct space operations safely and routinely throughout the central solar system, will take several decades with appropriate levels of investment and sustained commitment. Hence, the timeline of interest for undertaking the activities of the Space Logistics Technical Committee is, at least, several decades long and probably should look out 50 years.  This lengthened timeline would then cover the initial space logistics capability development and deployment -- which is the primary area of Space Logistics Technical Committee focus -- as well as the follow-on second and third generation technologies, systems and expanded capabilities that are areas of primary interest of the other related technical committees.

The 2001 Space Commission identified the need to cross the threshold to a "new era of the space age devoted to mastering operations in space."  The illustration below depicts how the development and deployment of an initial space logistics capability will help to cross this threshold into a new era of the space age.