Plan for space programme awaits key vote as funding sources and savings are discussed
The European Space Agency has formulated a Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 science programme including new planetary missions, space telescopes and searches for conditions able to support life on other worlds. The plan will be voted on this month by Europe's Space Science Advisory Committee (SSAC).
The programme's scale and pace will depend on the funding agreed by ESA's 25 member states. Cosmic Vision can be accomplished within the agency's current annual science budget of $470 million, says David Southwood, ESA's science director. A council of ministers meeting in December will gauge support for the programme, but the short-term forecast is for little budget growth.
SSAC chairman Giovanni Bignami says Cosmic Vision could be funded in three-year increments of up to €1.5 billion ($1.93 billion), and it is imperative to start the programme by 2007 with the first design studies. It is hoped the European Commission can contribute some funds, to be complemented through ESA's existing Aurora exploration programme.
Substantial international co-operation is also expected, including the possible launch of vehicles on foreign boosters. ESA concedes it would be cheaper to launch a craft with US involvement on a US booster than using Arianespace. However, what funds can be provided externally "will not determine the ESA programme's direction", the agency says.
TIM FURNISS/LONDON
Source: Flight International