Organisation

Question 1

When was ESA founded?

Answer 1

1975

Question 2

Where is the headquarter?

Answer 2

Paris

Question 3

How many member states?

Answer 3

22

Question 4

Annual budget 2024

Answer 4

7.8 billion €

Question 5

Which organisations were merged to create the ESA?

Answer 5

ELDO (European Launcher Development Organisation) and ESRO (European Space Research Organisation)

Question 6

Current Director General

Answer 6

Dr. Josef Aschbacher

Question 7

How many founding members?

Answer 7

10

Question 8

When was the Ariane 1 launched for the 1st time?

Answer 8

1979

Question 9

What does ESTEC stand for?

What is it?

What does it provide?

Answer 9

European Space Research and Technology Centre

• It is the main technology development and test centre for spacecraft and space technology
• It provides extensive testing facilities:
  
  • Large Space Simulator
  • Acoustic and electromagnetic testing bays
  • ESA propulsion laboratory

Question 10

What did Jean-Jacques Dordain (ESA’s Director General 2003-15) regarding ESA’s mission in a 2003 interview?

Answer 10

“Today space activities have pursued the benefit of citizens, and citizens are asking for a better quality of life on Earth. They want greater security and economic wealth, but they also want to pursue their dreams, to increase their knowledge, and they want younger people to be attracted to the pursuit of science and technology. I think that space can do all of this”

Question 11

Which are the mandatory programmes member states must contribute to?

Answer 11

1. Technology Development Element Programme: deals with the very early stages of technology development - from the initial idea to the earliest evidence that ‘we’ve got something’
2. Science Core Technology Programme: Develops fundamental technologies needed for scientific space exploration.
3. General Study Programme: performs mission feasibility studies and internal mission concept assessments.
4. European Component Initiative: exists to reduce the dependence of Europe’s space sector on non-European component suppliers, focusing on one of the building blocks of space missions - Electrical, Electronic and Electromagnetic (EEE) components.

(Tech Scientists Generally Eat Components)

(“Technology Develops, Science Cores Generate Studies, European Components Initiate”)

Question 12

Which are optional Programmes countries can participate in?

Answer 12

• Launchers
• Earth Observation
• Human Spaceflight and Exploration
• Telecommunications
• Navigation
• Space Situational Awareness
• Technology

Question 13

What are programmes with the highest budgets as of 2016?

Answer 13

• Earth Observation
• Launchers
• Navigation
• Scientific Programme
• Human Space Flight
• Telecom & Integrated Applications

Question 14

Core infos about the Ariane 6

Answer 14

• Expandable launch system
• Development start early 2010s, maiden flight 9th June 2024
• Two stage rocket
• Two versions:
  
  • A62:
    
    • Government and scientific missions
    • 4500 kg into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), 10350 kg into low-earth orbit:
  • A64:
    
    • Commercial dual-satellite launches
    • 11500 kg into GTO, 21500 kg into LEO