Space

Objective

The aim of the Space theme under FP7 is to support a European Space Policy is http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/07/st10/st10037.en07.pdf focusing on two activities – these are:

1. the development of the Global monitoring for environment and security (GMES) system, and

2. the strengthening of foundations of Space science and technology. This will include:

• i. Support to research activities related to space science and exploration,
• ii. New concepts in space transportation, and space technologies including critical components,
• iii. Research into reducing the vulnerability of space based systems and services.

This will contribute to the development of a European space policy, complementing efforts by Member States and by other key players, including the European Space Agency (ESA).

Why is it important?

In the last 40 years, Europe has built up excellent technological competence , both nationally and through ESA. Europe must now respond to the challenges of the new millennium. At a time when new space powers are emerging with high ambitions and capabilities with regard to space, Europe cannot afford to lose out on securing the potential economic and strategic benefits of space for its citizens. FP7 coupled with the European Space Policy (ESP) should assist Europe in its efforts to preserve and improve its global competitive position. Europe must remain a leader in space systems and an indispensable international partner providing first class contributions to global initiatives.

The ESP is intended to be a high level framework for managing European level (mainly EU and ESA) space activities. It should help the European Union, the European Space Agency (ESA) and their Member States to increase co-ordination of their activities and programmes, and organise their respective roles relating to space.

FP7 is the first FP to have a thematic priority dedicated to space. Until recently ESA has been the main European institution spearheading European space activity. The EU is now much more active and wishes to lead on overall policy. This is because space activities have potential benefit to wider EU aims on economic, technological, scientific and societal grounds. The UK sees potential benefit in the marriage of EU strength in policymaking with ESA and Member States’ technological expertise.

The drive for co-ordination of European space interests and an overall European Space Strategy is based on the recognition that European society has become critically dependent on satellites in areas as diverse as communications, navigation and earth observation. As a result, these systems take on a strategic significance. User-driven exploitation of satellite technology combined with cooperation between the public and private sectors, and underpinned by the appropriate regulatory structures and political and economic support from the Union, will allow companies to seize market opportunities for the benefit of Europe's economy and society. The UK Government with its user focussed approach is supportive of this, but is keen to ensure that the EU also adopts a user driven approach (ie. uses space as a tool and not as an end in itself) through the negotiation of work programmes that are focussed on the needs of users.

What will be funded?

Under the FP7 space thematic priority, emphasis will be given to the following activities:

• Space-based applications serving European society - developing satellite observation systems and the GMES services for the management of the environment, security, agriculture, forestry and meteorology, civil protection and risk management (85% of the funding for the first call will be allocated to GMES);
• Exploration of space - provision of support for collaborative initiatives between ESA or national space agencies, as well as coordinating efforts for the development of space-borne telescopes;
• Strengthening Space foundations - support research for long term needs such as space transportation, bio-medicine, life and physical sciences in space.

Budget

The EU Member States have earmarked more than € 1.43 billion for funding this theme over the duration of FP7.