Half a century after the entry into force of the conventions of its predecessor organizations ESRO and ELDO, the European Space Agency convened a series of events whose purpose was to celebrate, with the whole European space sector, 50 years of successful cooperation. Showcasing the impact and significance of the impressive results obtained, as well as the reputation gained, these celebrations also looked forward into our collective future.Industrial success and scientific achievements are two key indicators of the benefits of European space cooperation and of the ESA model that embodies it. Specific international, high-level events were organized to focus on each of these two domains. Events at ESA sites, with high-level national political representatives and local partners, national space days and exhibitions were also planned. Keynote speeches and lectures delivered on these occasions, as well as panel discussions and illustrations, are included in this book.
The anniversary also occurred in a year in which key decisions securing ESA's future were tabled to Ministers in Luxembourg, thus carrying forward into the 21st century the great legacy left by previous generations of visionary scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. The renewed commitment of member states bears eloquent testimony to a vision of Europe that has been sustainably served by ESA and the way it operates.
Over the decades, ESA has nurtured a strong sense of history and supported an independent project to document and critically analyze its achievements. The ten volumes dedicated to the European space endeavor published by Beauchesne in the Explorations collection are among the flagship publications authored in that context. The most recent monograph by John Krige acknowledges ESA's ability to adapt and take advantage of new opportunities while securing its core mission.
This book, complementing the scholarly history, is the culmination of a year of celebrations and pays tribute to the expertise, passion and values of all those members of the European space community that made the astonishing record of achievements possible. It is also a guide to the past that points the way to what the future may hold.
posted 06-30-2015 01:14 PM
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