PARIS — The European Space Agency (ESA) is on a mission to improve coordination of public spending on space in Europe. This call for better organization comes in response to a recent report that highlighted the need for a more unified approach in the region. Director General Johann-Dietrich Wörner spoke at a press conference in Paris and emphasized the importance of collaboration and efficiency in the European space industry.
Wörner pointed out that Europe has a diverse portfolio of space programs, ranging from Earth observation and satellite navigation to telecommunications and human spaceflight. However, he believes that this diverse portfolio can be streamlined with better coordination and cooperation among member states.
The recent report, commissioned by the European Commission, highlighted the lack of a comprehensive strategy for European space spending. It also noted the absence of a clear lead agency for space in Europe. Wörner fully supports the report’s recommendations and believes that ESA should take on a more centralized role in coordinating space activities in Europe.
“We need a clear vision and a single agency to drive European space efforts,” said Wörner. “We cannot afford to have fragmented and duplicated efforts in the highly competitive global space market. We must work together to make Europe a leader in space.”
This call for better coordination of European space spending comes at a crucial time for the region. With the rapid advancement of space technology and the emergence of new players in the industry, Europe needs to stay ahead of the game. Wörner believes that a unified approach will not only boost Europe’s competitiveness but also provide better value for taxpayers’ money.
“We have to work smarter, not just harder,” said Wörner. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we can achieve more with less and maximize the impact of our space programs.”
One key aspect of this call for better coordination is the need for member states to increase their investment in space. Currently, the European Union spends approximately 12 billion euros ($13.6 billion) a year on space, much less than the United States’ annual budget of over $40 billion. Wörner believes that with better coordination and a clear strategy, Europe can attract more investment and leverage its capabilities in the global space market.
“We cannot underestimate the potential of the European space industry,” said Wörner. “With the right strategy and coordination, we can become a major player in the global space economy and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
In addition to coordinating public spending, Wörner also stressed the importance of collaboration with the private sector. He believes that ESA and the European space industry can benefit greatly from working together with commercial companies. This partnership can not only drive down costs but also accelerate the development and deployment of new space technologies.
“The private sector is a key driver of innovation and growth in the space industry,” said Wörner. “By working together, we can achieve our goals faster and create new opportunities for European companies to thrive.”
Wörner’s call for better coordination of European space spending has been met with widespread support from member states and industry leaders. Many see this as a crucial step towards a more unified and strategic approach to space activities in Europe.
“We fully support ESA’s efforts to improve coordination of space spending in Europe,” said Jan Wörner, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “This will not only benefit our industry but also strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in space.”
Overall, ESA’s call for better coordination of public spending on space in Europe is a positive step towards a more integrated and competitive European space industry. With a clear vision and coordinated efforts, Europe can continue to push the boundaries of space exploration and innovation. As Wörner puts it, “the sky is the limit, but only if we work together towards a common goal.”
