A True European Space Program

But Does Nicolas Sarkozy's Grand Design Go Far Enough?

Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, is certainly not a man to think small. A recent story in the BBC suggests that President Sarkozy intends to use the current French Presidency of the European Union to revamp the European Space Agency.

What Sarkozy seems to have in mind is an ESA that is more like the American NASA, with clearly delineated goals set by politicians. The BBC story suggests that Sarkozy has in mind a European effort to the Moon and/or Mars, either in conjunction with the United States, or independently. 

What the other countries that comprise the European Union will think of this scheme is as yet unknown. Certainly the reform of the ESA that Sarkozy has in mind will require a far greater expenditure of Euros than the EU has hitherto been willing to spend on space. Also, having to be responsive to not just one but several national governments, tends to make the ESA far more prone to political shifts of power than does NASA.

Still, the idea of Europe joining the new race to the Moon is an intriguing one. Many people, when warned of the prospect of China beating the United States back to the Moon, tend to yawn. The idea of the French beating the Americans is yet another matter.

Interesting enough, Nicolas Sarkozy, who is very keen to bring capitalism and free markets to France, seems to be silent on the idea of encouraging commercial space efforts. This is despite the fact that France, through the EU, pioneered the practice of commercial space launches through the family of the Ariane launcher. Commercial space is an area in which France could shine for not a whole lot of money.