ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the inconsistency of current institutional settings between the European Space Agency (ESA) and EU space policy, starting from the origin of European space policy and its institutions since WW2. He points out the historical cause of this problematic situation and elaborates on how it undermines potential synergies which were envisaged initially. Based on this analysis, it is proposed to open up ESA internationally, embodied in re-naming ESA to the Space University Institute (SUI), taken from a parallel development of the European University Institute (EUI), or even entertaining the name International Space Agency. It would build on ESA’s strength in fostering research, training and innovation, while leaving the utilitarian side of downstream usage of space applications to the EU. This opening up of ESA to a wider international constituency could create partnerships that already exist within ESA with Canada, for example, and with which ESA has substantial experience.
