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Q. How is ESA involved in educational programs? I think space agencies around the world have a very important role to play in education, because we have attractive tools to put at the disposal of children. If space agencies give students access to tools such as micro-satellites, micro-rockets, parabolic flights, computer-driven design and so on, I am convinced that this will attract them to space. I think this is very important, because in the developed countries there are fewer and fewer students interested in science and technology, and I think that's a pity. To pursue our work in space, we need young scientists and engineers. So this is certainly an important role for space agencies, to attract young people to science and technology. |
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Q. What will cooperative efforts between ESA and JAXA bring? Space technologies are global. There should not be national interests in space, in the utilization of space, because satellites cross borders. The issues that space science is addressing are global issues, such as the environment and security. This is not limited by borders, and this is why the foundation of space activities is international. ESA is obviously an example of international cooperation, because it consists of 15 countries in Europe putting together their resources to develop space technologies and space systems. Starting from this intra-European cooperation, ESA has developed a great deal of cooperation with non-European partners as well. ESA today is working a lot with the United States, with Russia, with China, with India, but also a lot with Japan. So far this cooperation has been with NASDA, ISAS and NAL, and obviously this cooperation will be extended to JAXA. I am convinced that the creation of JAXA will provide even more opportunities for cooperation between ESA and Japan.
[ Interview : October 31, 2003 ]
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