Berlin – Brandenburger TorEuropean scientists came together in Berlin to discuss the Commission’s Green Paper on European Space Policy on 8 April 2003. Among their conclusions: space science is real science and it must remain an integral part of any European space activity.
“Space research plays a vital role in European science,” said Herbert Diehl of the German Ministry of Education and Research. “It should not be considered as a separate discipline but should be integrated and receive the same support and recognition as every other branch of science. To date, progress has been too slow in bringing Europe together on a common Space Policy, so the Green Paper is a welcome stimulus. Ultimately, a strong space science programme will mean a stronger technological base, improved competitiveness for European businesses and a better life for European citizens.”
According to Achim Bachem of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), “Being successful in space science requires an great amount of investment, both in human and financial terms. As such, co-ordination at the European level is extremely important. At the DLR, we have moved in the direction of limiting our focus. From a programme that once encompassed the whole range of astronomical research, for example, we are now confining our efforts and financial resources to planetary astronomy. This is the kind of strategic decision which, in co-ordination with the European Commission, the European Space Agency (ESA) and other national agencies, will lead to a much more effective scientific push for Europe.”
Scientific excellence in space
Space science makes a significant contribution to our knowledge of the world and the universe. Through leading-edge space-based research in the physical and life sciences, the effects of microgravity and many other areas, and through the exploration of space itself, Europe has continued its heritage of excellence in science. As a result, the space sector is now a prime source of technological and commercial progress.
For the scientific community, the critical role of basic science remains indisputable. Though often overlooked by the public, the basic research lab remains at the cutting edge of technological progress, holding the keys to understanding the essential principles that underlie life and the world around us. Space science must nevertheless compete with many other deserving uses for public funds.
In his opening remarks, former ESA Director of Science Roger Bonnet said, “Space science is a political issue, if only because of the great expense involved. It must therefore be addressed at the highest political levels. Without science there can be no knowledge, and therefore the goal of the Lisbon Council, which we all still adhere to, of making Europe the most advanced knowledge-based society in the world, requires a European space policy with space science as a basic component.”
Space science in action
Roger Bonnet, former ESA Director of Science and workshop moderator
If anyone was in doubt as to the value of space science for people on the ground, Dr. Peter Norsk of the ESA European Users’ Board put them at ease. His presentation on the space-based study of heart failure was both enlightening and entertaining. “Down here on the ground,” he said, “gravity helps to exercise the healthy heart. Even when you are resting, your heart is working against gravity to get your blood up from your feet to the top of your head, but for the diseased heart the force of gravity can be a real burden. By studying the human heart in space where there is no gravity, we are learning how to help people with heart problems here on earth.
“This is only one example,” he continued. “The International Space Station represents a unique test bed for a science programme aimed at understanding a whole range of medical problems. What are the obstacles? Politics, wishful strategies, and national interests!”
Another example of space science in application came from Lennart Bengtsson of the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology. “Space-based earth observation has lead to many important developments, from the detection and understanding of the ozone hole to major advances in weather forecasting. These are results that affect European citizens every day in ways that they are probably not aware of. The earth’s climate is very complex and we now trying to look at longer term effects and changes, but as people have already said, international co-operation and better co-ordination is required.”
Independent access
Among the issues addressed was the question of European independent access to space. While people like Jean-Pierre Swings of ESA’s Exploration Programme and Gerhard Thiele of the European Astronaut Corps assured the assembly of the wisdom of self-reliance, other participants questioned its necessity. “I’m a scientist,” said one member of the audience. “I design experiments and I don’t really care about the rocket that gets them into space. I’m only interested in whether or not it works.”
“That is not enough,” responded another, “You cannot separate the payload from the vehicle. How it gets up is as important as whether or not it gets up. And then the question remains as to the reliability of your non-European partners. What happens when they decide they have more pressing interests?”
Restoring vision
The problem of waning interest in space remains a hot topic. For many, the sense of excitement and adventure that once characterised space endeavours has all but disappeared. Combined with shrinking budgets and low job security, the lack of a bold and visionary space programme is leading to a decline in the space scientific talent pool.
“When we met earlier this year in Brussels,” said Bonnet, “we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Schweickart, the Apollo astronaut, who spoke to us of a European vision. I think we can all agree that an ambitious, exciting, long-term project would make a big difference, creating a sense of excitement and stability that will attract excellent young scientists and technicians.”
Gerhard Thiele
The Aurora project, aimed at putting a human on Mars, was again cited as a possible example of a long-term, compelling project for Europe. ESA’s Human Spaceflight programme, as represented by Thiele, could prove a powerful tool in attracting young minds. For some though, European space science is already a passionate endeavour. It simply hasn’t been spotlighted. “We’ve done a poor job in Europe,” said Dr. Norsk. “We are among the world’s best in science and technology, and many of the things we are doing are truly inspiring, but we have not done a good job in selling science to the public. I think what we need to see is a huge increase in ESA’s public relations budget!”
And more on budgets
There was no shortage of ideas and advice in Berlin, but much of the future of space science is going to depend on the support of public institutions. According to Hans Balsinger of Bern University, “You can’t ‘cheap’ science. We need to streamline and organise ourselves better, but in the end we are still going to need more money and a greater commitment on the parts of politicians and governments.”
While virtually all of the participants will have agreed with this, some expressed doubt that such a commitment would be forthcoming. “Without money there is no science,” said Bo Andersen of Norwegian Space Centre. “But we can scream and cry all we want. The fact is, as many have said, space science is still science, and the public sector has already decided how much it is willing to set aside for science. Realistically, this amount is not going to change much.”
Next steps
Roger Bonnet closed the meeting by summarising the day’s discussions. He will now report the results of the meeting to the Green Paper wrap-up conference in Paris on 23-24 June 2003. The next Green Paper consultation event will take place in Rome on 28 April 2003 and will focus on institutional issues. For more information, see the Consultation Events page.
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