Enterprise crosses the final frontier

Space has exerted a special fascination for humans for centuries. The European Commission has been involved in this field for many years through its research programmes, but its role has recently been reinforced. This dates back to 2000 when the European Parliament recommended it begin work on space technology. In close collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Member States, the Commission carried out an EU-wide consultative process which led to publication of the White Paper on European space policy in November 2003.