ABSTRACT
Before the Foundation of the European Space Agency (ESA) in 1975, Europe had several national space programmes. Specialised space organisations such as the European Launcher Development Organisation had been founded, but were lacking in the more general remit the USA was demanding in the context of the post-Apollo programme. This chapter analyses the way to the ESA and British and French motivation for or against ESA. It brings out the French drive for independence in space affairs, the British consideration over budgetary constraints and, to some extent, the German preference for technical innovation. These national motivations culminated in the commitment to develop a European space industry. The ESA was created as the institution to set up this European space infrastructure. Political aspects played a subordinate role at the creation, but today questions must be asked about the impact of the ESA on European integration. This is the inherently political question on the future of a European space policy.
