Comment New role of ESA & European Union Space Policy (Score 1) 178
It seems likely that ESA or at least parts of ESA will be quite involved with the implementation of a "Space Policy" from the European Union. A white paper was recently released, http://europa.eu.int/comm/space/whitepaper/whitepa per/whitepaper_en.html
It points out some areas where space is considered as an important, vital or necessary part. Although science is highly valued in the paper, and stated that no more cuts should be done, it points out directions to space applications - areas where society can benefit from space. The areas include navigation (through Gallilleo), Global monitoring, Digital Divide (communications to remote areas), for emergency & rescue. Also strategic areas are mentioned, as well as the importance of international partnership.
The white paper suggests a two phase approach for implementing this, first as a cooperation between EU and ESA with ESA as the implementing agency for space matters. In a second stage, the ESA should be organised within the EU (in some way), 2007->.
This is quite a different agenda, that was presented this autuumn. The Bush approach for NASA might surely influence the schedule, and maybe approach?
