Results of ESA Ministerial Council 2012 from Czech perspective and SSA programme

Presentation duration: 30 minutes

Presenter: Martin Šunkevič

At Council at ministerial level, held on 20 and 21 November 2012 in Naples, Italy, the Czech Republic increased its participation in the activities of ESA.The Czech Republic confirmed participation in brand new or continuing ESA optional programmes designed to increase the technical and technological level of the Czech industry. A good example is GSTP programme, focused on development of technologies applicable in various domains of space activities. Furthermore, the Czech Republic subscribed new resources to ARTES programmes - aimed at satellite telecommunication, MetOp-SG programme - designed to development of meteorological satellites, EGEP programme - which prepares technologies associated with future generations of EGNOS and Galileo systems, and the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme. The Czech Republic also participates in more science-focused programmes like The Mars Robotic Exploration Preparation Programme, the next period of the Earth Observation Envelope programme and Space Situational Awareness programme, SSA. The objective of the SSA programme is to support Europe's independent utilisation of, and access to, space through the provision of timely and accurate information and data regarding the space environment, and particularly regarding hazards to infrastructure in orbit and on the ground. The programme is active in three main areas: Survey and tracking of objects in Earth orbit (Space Surveillance and Tracking SST, monitoring space weather (Space Weather, SWE) and watching for NEOs (Near Earth Objects, NEO). The Czech Republic subscribed to SSA programme 0,7 mil.€ for the period 2013 to 2016.