Les débuts chaotiques de l’Europe spatiale

Abstract

The Beginning of Space Research in Europe From Space Conferences to Esa: the Strategic Part of Belgium In the early 1960’s, two European institutions were created for developing space research. The Esro (European Space Research Organization) was charged of the building of scientific satellites; the Eldo (European Launcher Development Organization) would develop the necessary rockets. In order to discuss financial, management and priorities, from 1966 to 1975, the European space conference (ESC) conveyed regularly the European ministers in charge of the space research. Belgium participated to the European space effort since the beginning and was actively involved within intergovernmental negotiations. Théo Lefèvre and Charles Hanin, ministers in charge of scientific research, were particularly active as chairman of ESC. Théo Lefèvre fighted on several frontlines to save space Europe; he was convinced of the necessity to ensure the European control of launchers. With France and Germany, Belgium was until the end member of the Eldo. Starting in 1969, Théo Lefèvre negotiated with the United States an European participation to the ambitious American post-Apollo program. But it was under Charles Hanin presidency, thanks to his intuition and his tenacity, that, during the ESC summit of 31 July 1973, an agreement was reached on three points: 1) the merge of Eldo and Esro in one European space agency (the future Esa); 2) the new program Ariane; 3) the building of the orbital laboratory Spacelab as the European participation to the American post-Apollo program.