ESA to unveil its new science programme

16 May 2002

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 reply form in the press release (see press release No 33-2002) and fax it back to ESA Media Relations, Fax: +33 (0)1 53 69 76 90

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

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Last Update: 10 Jun 2003