Estonia to begin cooperating with European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Estonia have signed an agreement to work more closely in the fields of astronomy and space science. This makes Estonia the first of the 'new' EU Member States to sign a cooperation agreement with ESA. The Baltic state has a long-standing experience in astronomy and space science. The Observatory of Tartu has worked in this field since the 19th century, and more recently, has participated in preparations for two ESA space missions: Planck and Gaia. Estonian astronomers have also been involved in preparing data reduction algorithms for ESA in cooperation with the University of Turku in Finland. Furthermore, it was an Estonian company, Vertex Estonia, which produced part of the large antenna reflector back structure for ESA's 35-metre antenna deep-space station in New Norcia, Australia. This antenna is used to track Mars Express. The recent adoption of the first European Space Policy by both ESA and the EU confirms the importance of ESA's space activities for EU Member States. The new members of the EU are now approaching the space agency with a view to participating in its space activities, says ESA The newly-signed agreement is a first step for the Estonia in the process for closer collaboration with ESA. As a second step, the Baltic state intends to become a 'European Cooperating State' in a few years time with an increased financial contribution to space activities.
Countries
Estonia