THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY POLITICS AND POLICY INTO THE 21ST CENTURY

摘要

The European Space Agency (ESA) is unique in that it is the only multinational space research and development organisation currently existing. As a consequence of this multinational character, it faces particular challenges in developing and implementing a coherent space policy at a European, rather than a national, level. An overview of the way in which the Agency is organised and operates is provided. The environment within which policy development takes place is then examined in greater detail. The outcome of the latest round of major policy making, which culminated in an ESA Ministerial Council meeting in Toulouse, France in October last year, is discussed. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the future, both in terms of specific plans and also the broader policy context.