Space
Green Paper
1.1.2.
Maintaining scientific excellence The
European scientific community enjoys a leading position in the two main disciplines
of space science, i.e. astrophysics and exploration of the solar system, as
well as in earth observation. In addition to the competence of European laboratories,
a number of factors have been decisive in this respect: - The
highly integrated programming framework represented by ESA to define most missions
and develop space systems;
- The
availability of independent means of launch which has made it possible to carry
out several wholly European large-scale space missions, giving Europe a pioneering
position in particular fields (e.g. astrometry, infrared or X-ray astronomy);
- The
technical competence of industry including the existing synergy in the field
between civil and defence applications programmes.
Characteristics
of the integrated scientific programme of the ESA 1.
Stability of the budget adopted
for five-year periods (annual level: €360 million) to which the ESA Member
States are obliged to contribute. 2.
Long-term planning organising
the alternation between missions of differing scope, ensuring a balance between
the disciplines and determining the choice between European autonomy or a co-operative
framework. 3.
Complementarity of responsibility
between
the ESA, developing the platforms, and national laboratories, developing on-board
instruments. A
comparable programme has been instigated by ESA for scientific users in the
earth observation field. |
European
space science makes a significant contribution to knowledge of the physical
world and research into living in space. It is supplemented by knowledge from
earth science and disciplines using microgravity. It is also a powerful driving
force of technology as it involves taking higher risks than in operational
systems. The long-term level of finance, the split of responsibilities between
national and European actors, and the balance between European autonomy and
and international co-operation are the decisive elements for the vitality of
the European Space Science programme, itself an essential component of the
European space programme.
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