Action plan for future European space policy
The importance of space research is often underestimated in the face of a lack of knowledge provided to the public and to policymakers. Inadequate information enhances the susceptibility of space programmes to budget cuts, particularly in the face of the current global financial crisis. As a major space power, the EU is committed to international cooperation in order to exploit the full potential of space exploration on multiple levels. Building on existing EC–European Space Agency (ESA) cooperation is an important part of that and in the context of which scientists initiated the EU-funded 'Conditions for space policy and related action plan consolidation in Europe' (C-SPACE) project. Its goal was to identify drivers for change within key space sectors and thus propose targets for further development. Promoting public awareness of project results was an equally important factor. Scientists identified main themes of the ESP and its effects on other policies, as well as on services, industrial competitiveness, security/defence and exploration/science. For each, an in-depth analysis was provided highlighting strengths and weaknesses of current space policy. In addition, a cross-sectional analysis illustrated the impact of each of these dimensions on socioeconomic factors. In the end, C-SPACE produced a reference book titled 'Understanding the European space policy' and made available on the project website (http://www.c-space-eu.org/(opens in new window)). It is expected to be used equally by European citizens and policymakers including those making policies in fields other than space. Exploitation of C-SPACE results should foster a more efficient and viable ESP.
