Astrium to manage ISSoperations

摘要

In a historic deal signed in Brussels on 13 December, ESA has selected Astrium to manage the European elements of the International Space Station through a contract valued at €240 million, the first phase of a long-term commitment to managing ISS operations through to 2020. The ISS partners are committed to supporting the ISS for at least the next eight years but few believe the programme will end in 2020, its unique capabilities being in some respects integral to future, international, space exploration and it is likely this activity will continue for many years beyond the present formally agreed period of sustained occupation.