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European space ministers in recent days have backed multi-year outlays for the European Space Agency totaling Euro11.2 billion (US$14.4 billion).
Various time frames apply to different programs, ranging from 2009-2013, all the way out to 2020.
The ESA, which has 18 European member states plus Canada, still has less financial support than NASA, which has a roughly $20 billion budget every year, not spread over many years. But the American agency also has wide-ranging responsibilities such as an aeronautics program. Further, Europe piggy-backs on many U.S. space programs, such as using the U.S. space shuttles to haul items to orbit, such as a European laboratory that was attached to the International Space Station.
European space ministers last week wrapped up a two-day meeting at the Hague where they endorsed many space programs.
Earlier, they itemized a list of funding for various programs, including the Ariane 5 heavy lifter:
| PROGRAMME PROPOSALS | TIME-FRAME | TARGET SUBSCRIPTIONS (MEuros) |
|---|---|---|
| A. Level of resources for mandatory activities | In current economic conditions (e.c.) over the period 2009-2013 | |
| a. Scientific Programme b. Basic activities: -General Studies, Technology Transfer Programme, Earthnet, Education and Corporate/Administrative activities |
2009-2013 2009-2013 |
2327 1117 |
| B. Optional programmes | in 2008 economic conditions | |
| Launchers – CSG Funding – Ariane 5 ARTA – Ariane 5 post ECA (phase 1) – Vega VERTA – Future Launchers Prep. Prog. 2.2 |
2009-2013 2011-2013 2009-2011 2011-2012 2009-2012 |
391 585 340 120 200 |
| Earth Observation – GMES SC Segment 2 – Meteosat 3rd Gen. – ECV-Climate Change Initiative |
2009-2018 2009-2020 2009-2014 |
857 860 70 |
| Human spaceflight/ Microgravity/ Human Exploration – ISS Exploitation P3 – ISS Evolution – ISS ELIPS P3 – Transportation & human exploration (including early activities for transportation) |
2008-2012 2008-2012 2008-2012 2008-2011 |
1376 74 220 160 |
| Exploration – Enhanced ExoMars – Mars Robotic Exploration |
(2006)-2018 2009-2012 |
1023 (*) 20 |
| Telecom and Integrated Applications ARTES (period 3): – ARTES 1 (preparatory activities); 3-4 and 5 (technology and applications); 8 extension (Alphabus/Alphasat), 11 extension (Small GEO) – ARTES 7 (EDRS) – ARTES 10 (Iris, phase 2.1) – ARTES 20 (IAP) |
2009-2013 2009-2013 2009-2011 2009-2013 |
915 |
| Satellite Navigation – GNSS evolution extension (EGEP) |
2009-2011 | 78 |
| Space Situational Awareness -Space debris, space weather, radar bread-boarding, pilot data centres |
2009-2011 | 55 |
| Technology – GSTP phase 5 | 2009-2013 | 400 |
|
(*)The given total will be decreased by 663 MEuro already subscribed in 2005 (at 2006 e.c., equivalent to 691 Meuro at 2008 e.c.)- The total "value" of the Enhanced ExoMars mission is 1223 MEuro, with about 200 MEuro expected to be offset by international cooperation agreements and simplification of the mission. Subscriptions will remain open to participating Member States until fall 2009. |
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The ministers adopted four resolutions:
- First, a resolution entitled "The role of Space in delivering Europe’s global objectives", covering the political and programmatic highlights of the Council;
- Second, a resolution establishing the level of resources for the Agency to cater for Space Science programs and basic activities in 2009-2013;
- Third, the renewal of the contribution of ESA member states to the running costs of the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana, South America
- Fourth, a resolution outlining the future evolution of the Agency, spanning its financial management reform, decision-making processes, industrial and procurement policies and the further development of site infrastructures for ESA programs.
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