"The European Community crossroads in space"
If the use of space is to bring maximum benefit to Europe, it is increasingly the economic, industrial and regulatory dimensions, and notably the ground-based requirements, which need to be addressed. "The European Community crossroads in space", is the report of a panel of independent experts invited by the Commission to look at all aspects of space where the Community plays, or could play a role. The first section of the report focuses on individual sectors of interest to the Community. These include: Launchers and launch services; space science; earth observation; telecommunications; in-orbit infrastructure and manned space flight; microgravity; research and technology; education, training and information. This is followed by discussion of the broader, horizontal issues comprising long-term objectives, industrial and commercial aspects, security, cooperation with the European Space Agency, political aspects and external relations, and coordination within the Commission. Underlining the strategic need to broaden and intensify EC involvement in space-related areas, the report concludes that the Community must aim to: - Contribute to the improvement of European capabilities and competitiveness; - Ensure areas of major interest and concern to the Community obtain full benefit from the development of space techniques and associated activities; - Support the achievement of excellence in a range of key scientific disciplines and technologies.