Evaluating the benefits from space technology: Thoughts on a Swedish study

In 1995 the Swedish Government produced a report evaluating the benefits of space over the past 20 years and recommending areas on which the state should focus in the future. While the follow-on detail promised by the report is still awaited, this article reviews its main findings and recommendations and sets these against the historical development of Swedish space activities which, because of the country's geographical location, have concentrated on atmospheric studies. The author argues that the report does not fully get to grips with the differing administrative efforts required by the various types of space activity and that a response to the need for low-cost access to space - the element on which all else depends - is also ducked.