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European Space Agency

Press Release

European leaders discuss the future of space technology

21 May 2003

Part 1 of 2

Key decision-makers responsible for shaping Europe's future in space
gathered in London yesterday, to discuss how to enhance Europe's
leading position in developing space technology. 
 
Antonio Rodota, Director-General of the European Space Agency,
Philippe Busquin, European Research Commissioner, and Lord Sainsbury,
UK Minister for Science and Technology, addressed over 350
representatives from government, industry and research.

This meeting was part of a series of consultation events on European
space policy, following the publication of the EU Green Paper on
Space. The consultation will be closed by a major conference in Paris
on 23-24 June, paving the way for a White Paper and detailed Action
Plan to be presented by the end of 2003. Today's conference
specifically focused on how space R&D can lead to concrete
applications and commercial products in a wide range of areas, such
as telecommunications, navigation and localisation, and Earth
observation. 

Mr Rodota said: "In the last three decades the European Space Agency
has been widely involved in space applications and has helped place
Europe at the forefront of the fast-moving world of
telecommunications, internet and multimedia business. ESA has
invested in new technologies and system concepts and has been the
catalyst for European industry - including SMEs- to develop and
exploit emerging products, services and markets. Our role has also
been instrumental in sowing the seeds and fostering the growth of
international organisations such as Eumetsat for weather forecasts
and companies such as Eutelsat in the field of satellite
telecommunications and Arianespace in that of launchers." 

"Space and the way we exploit its potential can bring many benefits
to the lives of all Europeans", said Commissioner Busquin. "We should
turn space research into an engine that fuels Europe's economic
fortunes and improves the quality of life of our citizens. Without
investments in space R&D, we would not have many products that we
take for granted today, such as internet by satellite and early
warning systems for natural disasters. I urge everyone to participate
in this debate on Europe's role in space before it concludes next
month. I am confident Europe wants to be a region ready to explore
new frontiers."
 
Lord Sainsbury added: "Working with our European partners is critical
to the success of the UK's space ambitions. This is clearly
demonstrated by the outstanding achievements Europe has made
collectively in the last decade, particularly in satellite
technologies. I am determined that the UK will continue to play an
active role in driving forward European advances in space,
participating fully in key activities such as Galileo and GMES
(Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security) - Europe's
satellite navigation, earth observation and security systems of the
future. We are also contributing to the consultation on the Green
Paper on Space, to help define the future blueprint for EU space
policy." 

Also intervening at the London event were Eryl McNally, Member of the
European Parliament, Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES Global,
M. Giuliano Berretta, CEO and Chairman of Eutelsat S.A and President
of the European Satellite Operators Association (ESOA), and Frank De
Winne, Belgian-born ESA astronaut.
 
European institutions are bringing fresh momentum to the development
of a European Space policy. On 13 May, the EU Competitiveness
Ministers adopted a key resolution supporting reinforced co-operation
between the European Commission and ESA to this end. This resolution
calls for a rapid conclusion of a framework agreement between ESA and
the European Commission, and for urgent actions to be taken at the EU
level to answer the challenges faced by Europe's space sector,
notably in launch services and commercial satellite markets. On 15
May, the European Parliament adopted a similar resolution, insisting
that space be a shared competence in the new EU Treaty. Next week, on
27 May, the ESA ministerial meeting will address a series of key
issues, notably, the future developments of the Ariane launcher. 

 - Continued -

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