| Institution: | Professor Dr Harry O. Ruppe is with the Lehrstuhl fur Raumfahrttechnik, Technische Universitat München, Richard-Wagner-Str 18/III, 8000, München, FR Germany, and is of the member of the editotial board of Space Policy. |
| Abstract: | Plans for Europe's future participation in space development are still under active discussion. This article offers a contribution to the debate, considering how Europe can best fulfil its own objectives. Choice of launch vehicle and its payload, as well as of other tools such as space station, re-entry vehicle, and launch site equipment are analysed. The article also discusses the purposes of space research for Europe, and the costs of a useful programme. A far-reaching European space programme still needs to be drawn up if Europe is not to lose out. |
