The Columbus programme : European steps towards the considered development of near-Earth space

The European Space Agency's Columbus Programme is nearing the end of its study phase and European ministers now need to take decisions on proceeding with the development phase. Columbus is directed towards the creation of an autonomous European space capability, and at the same time towards furthering genuine partnership with the USA on the international Space Station. This article reviews the elements which make up the Columbus Programme, and examines their probable developments over the next few years. The need for ESA to ensure coherence among the major European space initiatives is stressed.     

Sputnik fever — again?

The author offers some comments on the drawbacks of another US-Soviet space race. She compares the relative positions of the USA and the USSR in various areas of space science and technology, and concludes that the USSR does not lead in all areas. More importantly, she argues that it is distressing still to be portraying the superpowers as in a race in space. ‘Sputnik fever’ the first time round showed that a space race does not lead to a strong, long-term US space programme. She argues that cooperation in some areas — perhaps a trip to Mars — could b an alternative.     

An Enduring Partnership Professional, Cultural, Personat

20 years ago, in September 1987, an adventure began which was unique in aviation/aerospace publishing. That adventure led to a multimedia partnership which has grown stronger every year since 1987 and developed into a lasting friendship and global business alliance that continues today.     

决策者寄语

UK manufacturing technologies has a strong capalility in aeraspace camponent praduction and pracesses. CIMT2009 is an important opportunity for the UK to demonstrate this     

李文正飞机设计专家

您多年从事飞机设计工作,请您谈一谈随着技术的发展我国飞机设计水平取得了哪些突破以及与国外航空工业大国相比,我国在飞机设计上存在怎样的差距。     

芬兰,通往2010年世博会之路

世博会中的芬兰:建筑、设计和创造力芬兰一直是世界博览会积极的参与者。从第一届1851年伦敦世博会开始就已开始崭露头角,虽然当时作为俄国的一部分(芬兰