EU and Russia Sign Space Cooperation Agreement

PARIS, March 16, 2006/Satnews Daily/ — The head of the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation (Roscosmos) Anatoliy Perminov, the director general of the European Space Agency Jean-Jacques Dordain and European Commission vice-president Günter Verheugen have signed an agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation in space activities.

The cooperation agreement encompasses space applications (satellite navigation, earth observation and satellite communications), access to space (launchers and future space transportation systems), space exploration and the use of the International Space Station (ISS) and space technologies development.

Commission vice-president Günter Verheugen responsible for enterprise and industry policy said the enhanced cooperation with Russia in the space sector will have a very positive impact on the development of the European Space Program.

“Working together, using existing synergies will make our space policy more effective and will bring considerable benefits for the citizens of the EU,” he said.

Roscosmos head Anatoliy Perminov said it is now their task to substantiate the program for cooperation in the space sector and to establish a structure for an efficient coordination.

ESA’s Jean-Jacques Dordain added ESA has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Roscosmos. “The high level political dialogue will provide new opportunities for our future cooperation,” he said.

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