ESA (European Space Agency) was established in 1975. As of today, it includes 22 countries. The main objective of the organization is the cooperation of its members among themselves and at the international level in the field of exploration and study of outer space for its peaceful use.
History of Creation
The agency was formed on the basis of two European organizations through their merger. The first of them was engaged in the creation of launch vehicles, and the second - in the development of satellites. ESA is headquartered in Paris. In addition to permanent members, this includes several observer countries, including Canada, which takes part in some programs. Fourteen countries are permanent members of the agency: France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Ireland and Denmark.
Purpose
The main purpose of the organization is scientificspace exploration, development, launch and operation of automatic interplanetary stations, the Spacelab laboratory, the Hubble telescope and others. The Agency actively cooperates with the national space programs of the states participating in it. The largest countries that are part of the organization oversee certain areas. Germany is assigned the function of creating automatic cargo ships and training centers for their maintenance. France is engaged in the development of launch vehicles and satellites, which should significantly simplify space exploration, and is also responsible for the operation of the Kourou cosmodrome. Italy is developing interplanetary stations and modules for them.
Structural units
ESA consists of five structural divisions. They are geographically scattered throughout Europe. The first of these is the secretariat, which is headquartered in the French capital. The center for space technology and research is located in the Dutch city of Noordwijk, which is considered the main technical institution of the organization. It consists of numerous project teams as well as a technology support department. There is also various test equipment related to such areas as space exploration. Two structural divisions are deployed in Germany at once. Darmstadt is home to the Space Operations Center, which adjusts satellites and ground equipment to communicate with them. There is an astronaut center in Porzvana, which specializes in trainingfuture cosmonauts and coordination of the activities of the entire European manned cosmonautics. A research institute operates in the Italian city of Frascati, whose employees analyze and use data obtained from planetary observation systems from space.
Management
The European Space Agency is led by a Director General and a Board. They are responsible for fulfilling all the tasks that the organization faces. The main body is the Council, which consists of representatives of all participating States. He approves all programs and activities of the organization, approves the budget and coordinates all financial matters. In addition, the Council approves or blocks the entry of new members into the European Space Agency. Each country has one vote here. All decisions are made by majority vote. With regard to financial issues, the support of 2/3 of the participants is necessary for their approval. The Council has several subsidiary bodies, which are committees responsible for administrative and financial policy, the implementation of scientific programs, international relations and industrial policy.
The CEO is the chief executive officer and legal representative of the agency. All structural divisions of the organization are subordinate to him. In addition, he represents her interests in NASA and other international organizations.
Activities
The European Space Agency cooperates with manyorganizations, as well as states that are not part of it. International activity is considered one of the key elements in ESA policy. In February 2003, an agreement on cooperation between the organization and our country was signed. Similar agreements are in force with such states as Poland, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Romania. It should be noted that the agency's activities are not limited to Europe. In particular, for the qualitative use of satellites, fruitful relations have been established with Japan. The organization actively helps to develop space activities to other countries, for whose representatives appropriate courses are organized.
Among other things, the European Space Agency actively cooperates with many international organizations. In particular, they are currently developing future meteorological programs, various space exploration for the purpose of its further use for peaceful purposes, and training new personnel for these tasks.
