Mitsos outlines vision for deeper co-operation between ESA and Commission
With the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA) on course to forge a closer alliance by the end of the year, Achilleas Mitsos, European Commission Director General for Research and co-chair of the task force charged with defining the terms of the cooperation, outlined his vision for the future of European space research in a recent interview for RTD Info magazine. Mr Mitsos said that the planned partnership would allow the ESA to 'pursue its mission as an intergovernmental agency while at the same time acting as the Union's space agency in accordance with the regulations.' He said that the new strategy reflects the growing importance of European space research: 'The Commission wants to step up its action in this field and has adopted aeronautics and space as one of the seven priority themes of the new Framework Programme now being prepared. Space strategy is a very concrete field of application for the concept of the European Research Area (ERA) which now inspires the entire science and technology policy.' The ESA's Brussels representative, Michel Praet, also highlighted the role of Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin's proposed ERA, saying: 'It is not just a question of undertaking [space] research, but also of co-ordinating what exists so as not to have to reinvent the wheel each time.' Mr Mitsos was keen to highlight the success of European space policy, saying that Europe had grown to be a major player in space alongside the USA, Russia and Japan with less than a sixth of the US space budget. He emphasised the growing impact of space technology on European life, from television to meteorology and earth observation, and the new responsibilities this brings: 'Space is now a strategic field, one which requires a coherent, global approach, particularly to safeguard European autonomy.' Mr Praet also emphasised the importance of creating of an autonomous space capability for Europe, and the role of two key projects in this: the Galileo satellite navigation system and the GMES environment and security monitoring programme. Of Galileo, he explained: 'We cannot depend on a single system which is itself highly dependent on the US defence department. This is a crucial political choice for the continent as a whole. Similarly, if we want security and environmental questions to be better understood in Europe, we need an initiative such as GMES.' Mr Mitsos also spoke of the increasing commercial importance of space research, emphasising the European Union's role in encouraging links between space research and European industry: 'It is a question of integrating space science better in the European research effort, and of creating the appropriate political and regulatory conditions for developing the sector and commercial markets.' He explained: 'The EU is proposing a formula of mixed partnerships so that the public sector and the entire industrial chain of manufacturers and users can come together in operational projects.' He said, however, that the proposed partnerships extend beyond financial backing: 'They concern the implementation of economic, political and regulatory frameworks making it easier for industrial and financial partners to make a profit on their investments.' Mr Mitsos said that under the new arrangements, the ESA would play an important role in defining EU space policy with the support of the Member States. European Union programmes would encourage the structure and coherence of this common space strategy. Member State representatives would sit on the Joint Strategic Space Advisory Group (JSSAG), a forum for the proposal and discussion of European space policy. The next ESA council is due to take place in Edinburgh on 14 and 15 November this year. Ministers responsible for space in the 15 member States will attend. A spokesman for the ESA said that the final list of attendees has not yet been confirmed. Antonio Rodotà, Director-General of the ESA, said that he saw the council as an opportunity to finalise future space programmes which will '[create] a visible identity in space that means excellence and independence: the 'European way to space.'' He highlighted both existing programmes, such as GMES, Galileo and exploitation of the International Space Station, and future plans such as the Aurora planetary exploration programme, to be proposed for approval to the Ministerial Council in November.