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Highlights
Space Policy 18 (2002) 255
Highlights *
As interest in a space security policy grows in Europe we cover the topic from two angles: the Head of Greece’s Centre for Space Applications argues for an increased emphasis on space security as part of EU capabilities, describing the myriad ways that space applications can enhance defence policy; across the Atlantic, John Logsdon considers how such an emphasis might affect US policy. He concludes that, while US behaviour in areas such as export controls, the sharing of satellite imagery and the Galileo navigation system has provided an impetus to Europe’s quest to develop more independent space capabilities, this will not be enough to realize their development without a collective European decision that such capabilities are an essential part of its future.
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The European perspective is also presented via two translated articles from a special issue on space of the prestigious French journal, Ge!o!economie. In one Hubert Fabre analyses the increasingly important but often overlooked space insurance market, which has faced a number of changes, not all advantageous, since its beginnings in the 1970s. In the other Alain Gaubert of the space industry advocate, Eurospace, discusses the vexed question of public funding of space activities, arguing that space applications are now so important in such a wide range of fields that they should no longer be financed under the single rubric ‘space’.
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A final, less mundane, theme in this issue is that of extra-terrestrial exploration. A quartet of authors examines the links between environmental and space exploration and describes the work of a foundation established to support each to the benefit of both. Journalist Steve Connor speculates on the apparent human need to believe in life out there, and especially on Mars, and notes that this is not a phenomenon restricted to our own times. Charles Cockell of the British Antarctic Survey makes the case for using astrobiology as an interdisciplinary vehicle to provide insights in a variety of fields, both earthly and cosmic.
*
Differently again, Yun Zhao analyses the relationship between national regulatory authorities and the ITU in an era of increasing telecommunications liberalization. He urges greater cooperation between the two and further suggests that, despite the increasing presence of the WTO in this field, the ITU remains vital both in assisting smooth liberalization and in helping national agencies to adapt to the new regime and reap its economic benefits.
*
Plus a space security conference report; book review; and calendar.
PII: S 0 2 6 5 - 9 6 4 6 ( 0 2 ) 0 0 0 4 8 - 6
Highlights *
As interest in a space security policy grows in Europe we cover the topic from two angles: the Head of Greece’s Centre for Space Applications argues for an increased emphasis on space security as part of EU capabilities, describing the myriad ways that space applications can enhance defence policy; across the Atlantic, John Logsdon considers how such an emphasis might affect US policy. He concludes that, while US behaviour in areas such as export controls, the sharing of satellite imagery and the Galileo navigation system has provided an impetus to Europe’s quest to develop more independent space capabilities, this will not be enough to realize their development without a collective European decision that such capabilities are an essential part of its future.
*
The European perspective is also presented via two translated articles from a special issue on space of the prestigious French journal, Ge!o!economie. In one Hubert Fabre analyses the increasingly important but often overlooked space insurance market, which has faced a number of changes, not all advantageous, since its beginnings in the 1970s. In the other Alain Gaubert of the space industry advocate, Eurospace, discusses the vexed question of public funding of space activities, arguing that space applications are now so important in such a wide range of fields that they should no longer be financed under the single rubric ‘space’.
*
A final, less mundane, theme in this issue is that of extra-terrestrial exploration. A quartet of authors examines the links between environmental and space exploration and describes the work of a foundation established to support each to the benefit of both. Journalist Steve Connor speculates on the apparent human need to believe in life out there, and especially on Mars, and notes that this is not a phenomenon restricted to our own times. Charles Cockell of the British Antarctic Survey makes the case for using astrobiology as an interdisciplinary vehicle to provide insights in a variety of fields, both earthly and cosmic.
*
Differently again, Yun Zhao analyses the relationship between national regulatory authorities and the ITU in an era of increasing telecommunications liberalization. He urges greater cooperation between the two and further suggests that, despite the increasing presence of the WTO in this field, the ITU remains vital both in assisting smooth liberalization and in helping national agencies to adapt to the new regime and reap its economic benefits.
*
Plus a space security conference report; book review; and calendar.
PII: S 0 2 6 5 - 9 6 4 6 ( 0 2 ) 0 0 0 4 8 - 6