Space Technology Programmes & Initiatives

Overview of ESA programmes

Several new space programmes were adopted at ESA Conference of Ministers in November 2008. The next Ministerial Council will be held probably by the end of 2012.

Germany assumes Leadership Position in Satellite Communication

 

EDRS is a network of geostationary satellites. This European data relay system
will be the base for anetwork of satellites moving in a lower orbit. © ESA

Germany is providing unique high-tech technologies for optical high-speed communication between satellites within the framework of the European Data Relay Satellite System (EDRS) in geostationary orbit, which has been approved by ESA.


It is the leading partner in this ESA programme.

 

An Ariane 5ES rocket launched from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana,
carrying the European Automated Transfer Vehicle ATV-2. © ESA

 

Access to space ensured

 

Germany has a roughly 25 per cent share in the further development of the "Ariane 5".
The aim of the development pro-gramme is to make the system more flexible by means of a German-built cryogenic upper stage that can be reignited, and to increase the payload. Thus "Ariane" will still be able to launch two commercial satellites into space at the same time.

 

The International Space Station ISS fully built up with Space Shuttle
Endeavour, two Progress spacecraft and the Automated Transfer Vehicle 
ATV-2 docked to it (picture taken on May 23, 2011). © NASA

 

More science in space with German support

 

The ESA science programme is ensuring that space research will continue to be the flagship of European space activities in future.

Germany is strongly involved in the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 programme, which focuses on the further study of the universe and our solar system, the study of planets and the origins of life as well as basic laws of nature. Scientific findings in human physiology, biology, materials sciences and physics will be enhanced by studying space conditions on board the ISS (European Programme for Life and Physical Sciences and Applications in Space, ELIPS). With 40 per cent of the European ISS experiments Germany has a leadership position in Europe and claim one of the top ranks by international comparison.