International Cooperation in Space: The Example of the European Space Agency / Edition 1

by Roger M. Bonnet, Vittorio Manno

Overview

With the end of the Cold War, will the space race become a cooperative venture? This book, which tells the story of the European Space Agency, shows how such a cooperative enterprise has worked over the past three decades and how it might apply to future space science.

Linking fifteen European nations, the European Space Agency offers a working model of scientific, technological, and political cooperation on an international scale. Roger M. Bonnet and Vittorio Manno give us an insiders’ view of the agency—its beginnings as the European Space Research Organization, its development in the face of early difficulties, and its daily operations. Covering thirty years, this account traces the evolution of ESA’s programs, facilities, and capabilities and the establishment of its scientific, technological, industrial, and political policies and objectives. With an eye to future global space activities, the authors detail ESA’s relationships with its own member states and with other countries, particularly the United States. The history of cooperation between ESA and NASA as exemplified by two specific projects—Ulysses and the international space station—highlights the difficulties of associating different decision-making bodies and political systems.

Illustrated with pictures and diagrams, enlivened with anecdotes involving key world players in space science, this book provides a rich blend of factual information and personal recollection, history and interpretation. A timely contribution to the study of the politics of science and technology, it points the way to future international cooperation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674458352
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	12/28/1994
Series:	Frontiers of Space , #6
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Roger M. Bonnet is Director of the Scientific Program of the European Space Agency.

Vittorio Manno is Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in Austria.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. The Birth of ESA

2. Governing Principles

3. The Agency and Its Member States

4. International Connections

5. Two Cases of International Cooperation

6. The New Context Conclusion

Notes Bibliography of Works in English

ESRO and ESA Spacecraft

The Horizon 2000 Long-Term Plan

List of Illustrations

Index

Editorial Reviews

Space development and exploration has been a major global effort over the last thirty-five years. Bonnet and Manno’s book describes the significant role of Europe in that effort and the technological, economic, and geopolitical factors involved. This book will make an important contribution to the literature.

Burton I. Edelson

Space development and exploration has been a major global effort over the last thirty-five years. Bonnet and Manno's book describes the significant role of Europe in that effort and the technological, economic, and geopolitical factors involved. This book will make an important contribution to the literature.
— Burton I. Edelson

George Washington University

Space development and exploration has been a major global effort over the last thirty-five years. Bonnet and Manno's book describes the significant role of Europe in that effort and the technological, economic, and geopolitical factors involved. This book will make an important contribution to the literature.
— Burton I. Edelson

George Washington University

Traces the history and growth of the European Space Agency (ESA) from its beginnings as the European Space Research Organization thirty years ago, to its current daily operations. Details ESA's relationships with its own member states and with other countries, and gives an account of cooperation between ESA and NASA on two specific projects. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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