Abstract
The European Space Agency (formerly ESRO), has been involved in joint international projects since its inception in 1962. These started with familiarising of European staff in space matters in the United States and the launching of the European scientific satellites (ESRO II, ESRO I and HEOS I) with US provided launchers. Then followed several joint space science missions: the International Sun-Earth Explorer (ISEE), the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), the Hubble Space Telescope and Ulysses the International Solar Polar mission. Applications programmes in the post Apollo era led to a joint programme with the US Space Shuttle in which the European effort resulted in the Spacelab element still in use today. Subsequently ESA is involved in the International Space Station Program Freedom with its Columbus programme. This paper summarises these international activities from the European standpoint. It points out the motivations, benefits and difficulties experienced in each programme and the lessons learnt which could be used in any future international cooperative ventures.
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