ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an up-to date overview and holistic assessment of the national space governance structures, strategic priorities and industry in the European Space Agency (ESA) Member States. Each Member State is different in these aspects; some engage in space activities exclusively through the ESA, while others also have their own national space programme. Some consider the ESA as their prime space agency and others have, in addition, their own national agency with respective programmes. First, the Member States are grouped according to their GDP and the ESA budget. Second, the governance structure of the Member States is analysed according to the Ministries and implementing entities of the Member States’ engagement in space. Third, the priorities of Member States have been framed to cover three thematic areas: technology, sustainability and motivation for space. Fourth, the Member States industrial structure is analysed according to concentration ratios. Three important trends emerge: the number of Member States engaging in space is increasing with common interests in science, Earth observation and integrated applications; the economic and international aspects of space continue to be the main focus; and the interest to support through space communications, transport and security are among the top areas of interest.
