European Space Activities: Aspirations, Reality and the Way Forward
- Paper number
IAC-06-E3.1.A.02
- Author
Dr. Werner R. Balogh, United Nations/OOSA, Austria
- Year
2006
- Abstract
This paper is an analysis of recent attempts in Europe to define an approach towards a European Space Policy based on a coherent European Space Strategy and implemented by means of a European Space Program. The definition of a European Space Policy recognizes the growing political and strategic relevance of space activities. A major motivation behind the initiative is the definition of the scope of Europe’s future space activities. While the role of space applications is generally acknowledged and supported by practically all space players in Europe, there is no consensus on the role of exploration, and in particular human exploration, in the future European Space Policy. In this paper it is argued that Europe not only can afford to pursue both paths of space activities but ultimately also will benefit from doing so. The definition of the European Space Policy is an ongoing process at the time of this writing, but there has been a widening gap between the initiative’s original aims and reality. The paper identifies and addresses the major hurdles and challenges in this process and examines how they might be overcome to implement the original aspirations. The conclusions drawn in this paper represent the author’s personal view and are based on his experience as a participant to the Green Paper and White Paper process, as a national representative to the ESA Programme Boards for Human Space Flight and Exploration, the ESA Space Exploration Policy Assessment Group (SEPAG) and as a member of various GMES-related bodies.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E3.1.A.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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