| |
CX7BY > SAT 16.11.03 02:20l 79 Lines 2845 Bytes #999 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : ANS-320.05
Read: GUEST
Subj: Enlarging EU looks to ultimate frontier
Path: DB0FHN<DB0FOR<DB0SIF<DB0SON<DB0ERF<DB0FBB<DB0GOS<ON0AR<WB0TAX<7M3TJZ<
CX2ACB<CX7BY
Sent: 031115/2352Z @:CX7BY.MVD.URY.SA #:60377 [Montevideo] FBB $:ANS-320.05
From: CX7BY@CX7BY.MVD.URY.SA
To : SAT@AMSAT
AMSAT News Service Bulletin 320.05 From AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD. November 16, 2003
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-320.05
The European Union could launch a bold push into space under proposals
unveiled Tuesday to meet intensifying competition for mastery of the
skies beyond the Earth.
In a white paper called "Space: A New European Frontier for an
Expanding Union", the European Commission called for an independent EU
presence for space research, security and exploration.
Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin noted that China had last month
sent a man into space, while even Brazil and India were looking at
carving out their own roles in space independent of the United States
or Russia.
"The development of Europe's capabilities in satellite communications,
global positioning and Earth observation will boost applications and
have important social, economic and commercial benefits for Europe," he
said.
The white paper was presented in conjunction with the European Space
Agency (ESA), an independent body closely linked to the EU that has
launched a succession of satellite payloads from French Guiana.
While the EU is expanding its sights beyond the Earth, it is not
planning its own manned mission in the wake of the breakthrough by
China.
Indeed, the white paper has a business-minded approach, extolling the
virtues of investment in space technologies mainly for their commercial
and employment spin-offs.
The market for satellite navigation services and related products
around the world is growing by 25 percent a year and could reach 100
billion euros by 2010, creating 40,000 skilled jobs in Europe,
according to Brussels.
Busquin said satellites would be pivotal to maintaining Europe's
technological competitiveness with the United States, noting the
ubiquitous role of the technology in modern life from mobile phones to
television.
The EU has won Chinese and Indian investment for its Galileo satellite
navigation system, which will rival and likely outperform the Global
Positioning System (GPS) of the United States.
The Commission white paper, to be presented to EU member states on
November 23, lists six additional priorities for the EU:
-- independent access to space;
-- mastering space technology;
-- contribute to space exploration;
-- attracting youngsters into science careers;
-- strengthening excellence in space science; and
-- fostering competitive, entrepreneurial companies.
The release of the white paper was timely as the 15-nation EU debates a
new constitution to get it in shape for the entry of 10 more member
states next year.
Space is one of the areas where member countries will have "shared
competence" with the EU, giving Brussels a major say in the shaping
of policy.
[ANS thanks Space Daily for the above information.]
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
