Ministers from 17 European countries will meet on Monday in Berlin to discuss the future of Europe’s space program. They will decide whether to proceed with a series of proposed space explorations for the upcoming decade.
The Mars rover mission, a replacement for the lost Cryosat, and the Earth observation satellite network are also competing for budget allocations.
The negotiations are considered crucial for the European space industry amidst a contracting commercial market.
During this annual meeting, the European Space Agency (ESA) will request contributions of €8.8 billion from 18 member countries (17 from Europe and Canada) for mandatory and planned programs.
This funding includes €3.1 billion to carry out the mandatory scientific program through 2010, and €5.7 billion thereafter to implement planned programs and initiate new explorations.
Although the market for space activities has contracted in recent years, public spending on space has increased.
This makes the decisions at the European Space Agency (ESA) even more significant, as most of the budgets approved during the meeting will be allocated to European space technology.
Member countries are currently determining their investment priorities ahead of the Berlin summit.
Observers suggest that it seems all programs will find adequate funding, which adds to the tension in negotiations both inside and outside the meeting room.
It is anticipated that the ministers will greenlight funding for the future of Cryosat, which, according to scientific opinions, is a key tool for monitoring Earth’s climate changes.
