ESA to unveil its new science programme

Last November the ESA Director of Science, Professor David Southwood,
announced the need for a complete reassessment of the ESA science
programme. Following the Council meeting at ministerial level, funds for
ESA’s space science would be substantially less than had been hoped.
Realistic planning would have to replace optimistic planning.

The science community, European industry, the ESA Executive and
cooperating space agencies in Europe and elsewhere have been consulted,
and sometimes challenged, to find the best ways to maximise science value
for money.

The exercise is now over following intensive consultations with ESA’s
Space Science Advisory Committee (SSAC) and the Member States represented
by the Science Programme Committee (SPC).

After final SPC approval at the meeting on 22/23 May there will be a new
programme and a new implementation plan.

The results of this meeting will then be presented to the press on 27 May,
in Paris, by the ESA Director of Science, in the presence of the chairmen
of the SSAC and SPC.

Media representatives wishing to attend the press breakfast are kindly
requested to complete the attached reply form and fax it back to ESA Media
Relations, Fax: +33.(0)1.5369.7690

For more information, please contact:

ESA – Communication Department

Media Relations Office

Tel: +33 (0)1.53.69.71.55

Fax: +33 (0)1.53.69.76.90

ESA’s Science Programme

Agenda

Monday 27 May 2002 – 08:30-10:00

ESA Headquarters, 8/10 rue Mario Nikis, 75015 Paris

08:30 Registration & breakfast

08:45 Introduction , by Hugo Marée, Science Programme Coordination Office

08:50 Presentation of the new ESA Science Programme, by Prof. David
Southwood, ESA Director of Science

09:10 Question &Answer session

ACCREDITATION FORM

ESA’s Science Programme

Press Breakfast

Monday 27 May 2002 – 08:30-10:00

ESA Headquarters, 8/10 rue Mario Nikis, 75015 Paris

Surname: ________________________First Name: ___________________________

Media: _________________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

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Tel: __________________________ Fax: __________________________________

e-mail_________________________________________________________________

[ ] I will be attending the press breakfast

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