European Space Policy

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A formal European Space Policy was established on 22 May 2007 when a joint and concomitant meeting at ministerial level of the Council of the European Union and the Council of the European Space Agency adopted a Resolution on the European Space Policy.^[1] The policy had been jointly drafted by the European Commission and the Director General of the European Space Agency.

Contents 1 Components of the policy 1.1 Satellites 1.2 Launch systems 1.3 ISS 1.4 Science and Technology 2 References

[edit] Components of the policy

[edit] Satellites

The policy expresses support for an operational and autonomous Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) satellite capability before the end of 2008, and for a global navigation satellite system under European civil control, i.e. the Galileo positioning system.

[edit] Launch systems

The policy emphasises the importance for Europe to maintain independent, reliable and cost-effective access to space through European launch systems, without mentioning any specifically by name.

[edit] ISS

The policy reaffirms a continuing European commitment to the International Space Station (ISS), and describes ESA participation in future international exploration programmes as being important.

[edit] Science and Technology

The policy includes the goal of maintaining programmes that give Europe a leading role in selected areas of science. It also calls for development of technologies that allow European industry to avoid dependency on international suppliers.

[edit] References

1. ^ Europe’s Space Policy becomes a reality today. ESA (22 May 2007).