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Astronautics
Fostering open technology innovation is not only about promoting broader use
of the International Space Station (ISS) but could also have a positive impact on
future missions to the Moon and Mars. ESA is committed to participating in the
development of a market-driven economy in low Earth orbit and here Bernhard
Hufenbach explains the agency’s step-wise approach to partnering with private
companies that are ready to share risks. He also highlights pilot projects that
are aiming to demonstrate their feasibility and commercial viability.
Engaging the private
sector in space exploration
I
n 2015, the European Space Agency
(ESA) launched a process for setting
up strategic partnerships with
the private sector to facilitate its
exploration ambitions - and to foster growth
and competitiveness of the European space
and non-space industrial base. The initiative is
nurturing the gradual establishment of private
sector services, led by European companies for
low Earth orbit (LEO) exploitation in support
of lunar exploration. It aims to strengthen
the competitiveness of European industry,
Bernhard Hufenbach
ESA Directorate of
Human Spaceflight &
Robotic Exploration,
ESA ESTEC,
Noordwijk, The
Netherlands
