The bulk of the funds will go to Germany's contribution to the launch of the European satellite observation and navigation project Galileo, Buhlmahn said.
The bulk of the funds will go to Germany's contribution to the launch of the European satellite observation and navigation project Galileo, Buhlmahn said. |
Research minister Edelgard Buhlmahn said the new investment approved by the cabinet was aimed at increasing German industry's share of the global commercial revenues gleaned from space exploration and maintaining Germany's position as a world leader of research in space.
It is also intended to fulfill Germany's commitment to European space projects.
The bulk of the funds will go to Germany's contribution to the launch of the European satellite observation and navigation project Galileo, Buhlmahn said.
The system is planned for a range of civilian and military uses including global traffic observation, navigation of large ships, detection of environmental damage, prevention of natural catastrophes and peacekeeping.
In addition, Germany will support the European commercial space transportation program Ariane, which Buhlmahn said should "guarantee secure access to space for Europe" and ensure the European Union holds its own against the United States in space.
The funds will also be used to finance 41 percent of European investment in the International Space Station.
"The uses of space travel for people and scientific excellence are of primary importance for Germany's space policy," Buhlmahn said.
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Paris - April 24, 2001