France in Space #296
** 1: EC PRESENTS FIRST ELEMENTS FOR FUTURE EUROPEAN SPACE POLICY
The European Commission (EC) issued on May 9 a first draft of a future European Space Policy, which is expected to be devised and approved before the end of 2005. It specifies priorities and funding principles as well as a common European policy regarding the space industrial sector and the international cooperation.
First, the European Space Policy is justified because of the significant role played by space activities in the every-day life of European citizens. Galileo remains the first priority for the European Union (EU), while GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) is proposed to become “the second EU flagship”. Among these two projects, satellite communications research and space exploration are other specific areas of interest. Second, the costs of these projects will be defined by the EU, the European Space Agency (ESA) and member States in the coming months. For its part, the EU will contribute to the funding of space-related activities through the trans-European networks (TEN) programme for Galileo and through the 7th Framework Programme for several other activities.
Finally, the EC presents a two-fold policy approach to implement the European Space strategy. An industrial policy has to be developed for Europe as a whole, in order to provide “industrial and critical technological sources and competences” and “a globally competitive space industry”. The EC gives also recommendations for an international policy, whose key elements are: a strengthened partnership with Russia, a further development of the longstanding cooperation with the United States as well as continuous cooperation actions with Eastern and Southern neighbouring countries and developing nations.
The initial draft of the European Space Policy will be presented to the Space Council planned for 6-7 June in Luxembourg. Following input from Member states, a final policy is expected to be approved by ESA and EC representatives by late November. [European Commission 05/23/2005, AFP 05/24/2005, Space News 05/30/2005]
** 2: EUROPEAN SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS IN ORBIT ONBOARD FOTON-2M
The Foton-2M spacecraft carrying a mainly European scientific payload was put into orbit by a Russian Soyuz launcher on May 31, 2005. Under an agreement signed in 2003, the Foton-2M mission is jointly operated by the European Space Agency and the Russian Space Agency Roskosmos. It will be conducted in Low-Earth Orbit during 16 days.
The European payload consists of 39 experiments mainly focused on fluid physics, chemistry, material science and biology. In particular, the Fluidpac experiment aims at studying heat transfer in microgravity to develop new heat-exchangers designs. Chemical diffusion experiments called SCCO (Soret Coefficients in Crude Oil) will contribute to more efficient oil exploration processes. Moreover, material science investigations in the Agat and Polizon facilities will help to develop better semiconductor alloys. Finally, biological research is highly represented on the scientific platform with the Biopan experiment, which is flying on a Foton spacecraft for the fifth time. [ESA 05/31/2005]
** 3: SWAN REVEALS NEW INFORMATION ON THE HELIOSPHERE
SWAN (Solar Wind ANisotropies) is one of the twelve instruments on board the ESA/NASA SOHO (SOlar Heliospheric Observatory) spacecraft launched in 1995. This sensor works to detect hydrogen atoms of the heliosphere, the large envelope of plasma emitted permanently by the Sun, and analyse their velocity. SWAN is the result of a collaborative effort between the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Service d’Aéronomie, one department of the French Centre for the Scientific Research (CNRS).
Recent observations by the instrument have shown a deflection of the flow of hydrogen atoms from the direction of incoming gas. This discovery contributes to better modelling of the heliosphere, including its size and shape as well as measuring the local magnetic field. In the next few years, the scientists should be able to validate their models if SWAN results are confirmed by further elements. The Voyager-1 spacecraft, which is at the outer edge of the Solar System and about to exit the heliosphere, and the IBEX (Interstellar Boundary Explorer) mission both led by NASA should bring complementary contributions. [E-Space & Science, the Scientific Bulletin of CNES 05/26/2005]
** 4: EUROPEAN AGREEMENT RENEWED FOR WEATHER FORECASTING
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have signed a new agreement to exchange information and expertise in the field of Earth observation.
The two international organisations have worked together since 1983, ECMWF being a major operational user of results from ESA-developed meteorological satellites. It integrates in particular data from ERS-2 (European Remote Sensing) and Envisat spacecrafts, as well as from the Meteosat series of satellites into its numerical weather prediction models. ECMWF also contributes to the validation and calibration of weather- and climate-related instruments and sensors carried by ESA spacecrafts. In addition, this new agreement strengthens the cooperation in the ESA’s future Earth Explorer missions. ECMWF will use data provided by the ADM-Aeolus (Atmospheric Dynamics Mission) and SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) missions, both due for launch in 2007. Further, the two organisations will share information on their activities related to the international initiative GEOSS (Global Earth Observation System of Systems). [ESA 06/01/2005]
** 5: A SPACE SEMINAR IN ALGIER DEALS WITH DISASTER MANAGEMENT
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, the Algerian Space Agency and the European Space Agency are jointly holding a seminar on the Use of Space Technology for Disaster Management from May 29 to June 2 in Alger. About 120 experts of international and regional organizations as well as representatives of academic institutions and space agencies are gathering to study how cooperation on space technologies could improve the prevention and management of natural disasters as well as the rehabilitation of damaged areas. Among others themes, the seminar is focusing on prevention of wild fires, seismic risks, floods, entomological risks and desertification. [AFP 05/18/2005]
** 6: IN BRIEF
Satellite-fleet operator Eutelsat has issued a request for bids from satellite manufacturers for a telecommunications and television broadcast satellite called W7. This spacecraft should strengthen the company’s presence in several African markets. [Space News 05/30/2005]
France In Space is a weekly synthesis of French space activities based on French press. Its content does not reflect an official position of the French Government or CNES. It is provided by the CNES office and the Office of Science and Technology of the French Embassy in Washington D.C Editors: Jean-Jacques Tortora, Clémence Le Fèvre
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About CNES
“CNES develops and leads national space programmes. The main thrust of its action is to serve France’s ambition to sustain a strong space capability and contribute to scientific discovery at the highest levels. CNES is committed to fostering innovative space technologies that meet the current and future needs of society. Most programmes are pursued in cooperation with international partners. CNES also plays a central role in programmes initiated by ESA, the European Space Agency, to which it is a major contributor. It is thus a driving force behind ESA programmes and activities”.
