Romvirksomhet i et europeisk sikkerhetsperspektiv

Abstract

The main topic of this report is the role of military space systems in the development of a European Security and Defence Policy. First, a brief overview of the history of European space developments is given. Today's main actors (nations, organisations, industry) and their space policies are then presented. The possible consequences for space of the European Convention and EU's Green Paper on Space are discussed. Each of the fields satellite observation, satellite navigation and satellite communications are discussed separately. It is argued that after Galileo, the first commonly owned military space EU asset will most likely be a communications satellite for EU troops. Very high resolution observation satellites will remain national assets for many years, but with ever closer collaboration between owner nations and EU on their use. Norway may have a significant role to play in the possible establishment of a European satellite system for maritime surveillance.