Spaceflight

The European Commission is to publish its green paper on EU space policy this week. The paper, prepared by the EC in co-operation with the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to "launch a debate with all players" - including national and international organisations, the EU space industry, the scientific community and citizens - into Europe's assets and weaknesses in this sector. The report details key issues such as the EU's independent access to space, scientific excellence in this field and the industrial base as well as identifying relevant markets and suggesting an institutional framework.