Space as a Vital Factor
Satellite-based communication and navigation, Earth observation for weather forecast, disaster relief, and pollution tracking, and orbital based research are normal parts of our life today.
Europe plays a vital, yet relatively small role in space technology. We want to stimulate this sector and open it up for new startups. This will generate a major push for technology as well as collaboration between EU member states and partner nations.
EU Space Vision for Future
Due to technology advancement and commercialization of space industry things like off-Earth mining, colonization of other planets, interstellar and interplanetary travel or planetary defense are no longer topics for distant future but the present day.
The EU needs to articulate a clear vision, strategy, and objectives to protect international cooperation, multilateral global govern-
ance and basic principles of rule of law, justice and democracy in the space domain. This should include the development of the EU Agency for Space Program that is politically and financially account- able to the European public through the European Parliament and receives an adequate EU-wide mandate for space security.
Compact Industrial Space Policy
The monopoly on technology, research and capacities has shifted from the state towards private and commercial entities. An EU- wide compact strategy to support space industry should be based on stimulating business environment, abundant funding and support of public and private research efforts and a clear vision on the main objectives for the EU. To create a true European industrial space base, additional funding in the likes of the Euro- pean Defence Fund will be required to support research of disruptive technologies from interstellar light-sailing to resources extraction or autonomous European launch capacities to provide space benefits to all humankind.
EU Strategies on Space Resources and Planetary Defense
Clear adherence to international space law principles and global support will provide a stable and stimulating regulatory framework to attract and motivate private companies. Embracing the OST’s benefit-sharing principle for space resources utilization to make space accessible and contributing to all humankind, including developing countries, should be part of the development policy.
Fragmented national capacities for near earth objects (NEOs) observation will be pulled into a single EU agency with an adequate funding. Observation and prospecting of NEOs will serve both planetary defense and resources utilization to develop joint capabilities.
Support of research and development of high-end multi-purpose mitigation and resources utilization technologies, such as laser techniques, to create a functioning and secured space economy. Utilization of space resources in-situ to foment a functioning space economy that will translate into better and more accessible space-based services.
Long-Term Goals
The space program should also fund goals that are or seem to be out of reach today. Working on far-flung targets, like building an interstellar light-sailing laser, space elevator or space hook, will stimulate the development of radically new technologies and materials. To ensure civilian use for humankind benefit as well as effective scientific and economic collaboration, such large and powerful space technologies should be developed in par with international partners.
Reaping Benefits of the Space Program
PIRATES believe that the results of the research fueling the space program have the potential to improve the lives of all EU citizens. We will ensure that open access principles are applied to the results making them broadly available. We will also support the application of technologies to in everyday lives. For example, we will drive the increase in Internet coverage through the use of satellites into remote regions which are difficult to cover by con- ventional means. The goal of this initiative is to spread the basic human right for Internet throughout Europe and also to support the dislocation of the digital workforce from the overcrowded cities. To achieve that and ensure democratic control of EU space benefits, the Administrative Board of the newly planned EU Agency for Space Programme should include European Parliament representatives with voting rights.