Europe should launch its own space exploration programme in 2014, says the Commission’s Space Advisory Group (SAG).
In a report published on 10 October, the expert group defined the programme’s goals for 2014-20: navigation, Earth observation, science and exploration. “Prime targets for space exploration are Mars, the Moon, and finally places beyond,” the SAG adds.
The plan includes a new agreement between the EU and the European Space Agency, to team the political strength of the EU with the technical and managerial capabilities of ESA. It estimates that the programme requires a dedicated budget of 1.8 billion euros from the EU between 2014 and 2020, in addition to ESA’s own funds.
The advisory group believes an ambitious programme would send a powerful message and increase the EU’s world leadership, and boost European integration. “European leadership is not contradictory to the promotion of stronger international participation,” the experts say.
Space Advisory Group of the European Commission, FrameworkProgramme 7 – Space Theme