Space

4. Extending and strengthening Space policy: keys to success

Secure the future

Europes list of achievements in space sciences and applications, largely delivered through collaboration in the European Space Agency and also through national efforts, have established the continent as a competitive actor in many public and commercial markets.

Europe enjoys the means to pursue its own space activities in the field of launchers, satellites, space sciences and applications. In addition, it has deployed operational communication systems, has adopted ambitious programmes for satellite navigation, timing and positioning and for earth observation and global monitoring. This base is today relying upon public investment, mostly national R&D budgets, and commercial resources derived from launchers services and telecommunication satellites sales.

But space policy has to look forwards not backwards. New competitors are aiming for strategic positions in space: China is already a force in satellite launchers and has recently successfully accomplished its first human spaceflight. Brazil and India are about to enter the launcher market. Moreover, the commercial market is well below previous levels and increasingly competitive.

EU enlargement and the European construction process are generating new needs and demands for space systems. Europe has, therefore, to consolidate the fundamental elements on which a space policy depends for its implementation: access to space, the scientific and technology base and industrial capabilities. This chapter outlines specific recommendations for achieving this goal.

Much of the European space industrys potential growth lies in implementation of the EUs policies. The need for the development and exploitation of new space infrastructures and exploitation of existing and new space systems will benefit the overall European space community, and would lay the ground for a competitive and advanced industry able to supply the applications and services for helping to deliver many of the Unions top policy priorities and to be successful on commercial markets.