COFSEP

Analysis of cooperation opportunities for Europe in future space exploration programmes

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'This study is aiming to provide the EC with a comprehensive set of information to position Europe’s objectives and capabilities within the international context for the next fifteen years in order to support its role in defining the future direction of the European space exploration programme. To do so, the study will be based on a detailed international benchmark of the European space exploration programme conducted at two levels:

1)Benchmark of space exploration programmes and initiatives in Europe and worldwide, with the objective to identify current and future directions, objectives, frameworks, missions and projects for space exploration. 2) Benchmark of industrial capabilities related to space exploration in Europe and worldwide with the objective to map current and future expertise and capabilities in critical technology areas required to pursue future projects.

This benchmark assessment will result in a gap analysis where objectives and capabilities will be compared, in order to develop scenarios for future European cooperation opportunities. Recommendations will be derived for the EC on how to optimize European position supported by an action plan.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

For Europe's space programme to flourish, it is necessary to join forces with an international community with a shared vision and common objectives. An EU-funded initiative has prepared the ground for a jointly accepted space exploration strategy.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

For the last four decades, space exploration in Europe has been growing through the efforts of the European Space Agency (ESA) in combination with those of several European national space agencies. To fulfil its aspirations, it must continue to do so in an international context by aligning its goals with other global players in the space industry.

Scientists working on the COFSEP (Analysis of cooperation opportunities for Europe in future space exploration programmes) project sought to define these goals. With the support of the EU, they accumulated essential information to outline the European space exploration programme's objectives and exploit Europe's capabilities within a global context over the next 15 years.

A series of reports on past, current and future activities of European space agencies were prepared. In addition, separate profile reports were drafted for each major player in the field. COFSEP researchers looked at the pros and cons of partnering with different countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States.

From their studies, the researchers found that Europe, Japan and the United States have planned missions to the Moon, Mars, near-Earth asteroids and other planetary objects. On the other hand, China and India are focused principally on the Moon. Space exploration requires enabling capacities that Russia and the United States have undoubtedly acquired as well as extensive experience in both manned and unmanned missions.

The COFSEP team assessed possibilities of cooperation with Russia and the United States as well as other nations in science-driven robotic missions and manned spaceflight. It eyed Russia for lunar exploration, Japan and the United States for scientific missions, and India for technological development. However, Europe should also strengthen ties with Brazil and South Korea on research and development.

To benchmark space exploration programmes and related industrial capabilities worldwide, COFSEP researchers carried out strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analyses. The analyses' findings, along with the emerging reports, will undoubtedly help policymakers and all stakeholders in making informed decisions and solidifying Europe's space aspirations in a global context.