| THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA) | ||
The ten founding members of the ESA included the largest western European nations: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. Five others joined later: Ireland, Austria, Norway, Finland, and Portugal. Canada is a cooperating state. Most members also belong to the European Union. The two bodies are independent, but they interact constructively in evolving space policies. The diversity of the ESA’s member states remains a source of vitality and versatility, with each country contributing its own scientific traditions, technological skills, political priorities and cultural style. |
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