Report on Panel Discussion 9 Symposium Conclusions: The Way Forward

摘要

Strategic decisions in the near future in areas of ISS, MSS, Multimedia satellite systems, etc., are needed, as is a Vision to anticipate the future, to set the appropriate scientific and economic base for it (for example, Winston Churchill's forecast of today's Information Society). Tough real-time decision making is required by the authorities; issues of terrestrial versus space - what to choose, and how to choose - are crucial. In space ventures competitors can also be partners; there is a need for flexibility. It is important to have low-cost access to space to encourage new operators.