The EU's new Security Research initiative has stimulated interest among many of the aerospace sector's most noted players.

The EU Information Day on the 'Preparatory Action on the enhancement of the European industrial potential in the field of Security Research' (PASR 2004), held in Brussels on 25 March 2004, attracted over 400 participants from research and academic institutions and industry. Many of the attendees represented groups from the space and aeronautics sectors.

Presenters from the likes of ONERA, Thales, BAE Systems and EADS outlined their ideas on how to move forward on European Security, but potential call responders also included many smaller groups such as Belgium's Verhaert and FAV in Germany, as well as a large number of parties from associated and new European Member States.

The turnout among the aerospace community should come as no surprise. The 'Group of Personalities in the field of Security Research', whose Report 'Research for a Secure Europe', argues for the establishment of a major European Security Research Programme (ESRP) beginning in 2007, includes members representing a number of important space interests. Among them is European Space Agency (ESA) Director Jean-Jacques Dordain.

Space and Security interlinked

Speaking to journalists earlier this year, European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin said, "The fact that Mr. Dordain himself is part of the high-level Group of Personalities now developing a European Security Research programme is a clear sign of the importance we attach to space in this area. Europe has long been handicapped due to the fact that security has been a 'no-go' area for us."

Indeed, the distinction between defence-related and civil space systems would seem to make little sense today. Earth observation satellites, for example, have obvious applications in both arenas. The GMES programme, developing Earth observation technologies, will be of great importance in both civil and defence realms. GALILEO is another space technology with great security impact. In fact, say experts, any number of programmes now on the way promise dual-use capabilities.

In the US, defence is the main driving force behind the development of space systems that offer important civil benefits. For Dordain, Europe looks more and more likely to move in that direction in the near future, funding systems through its civil institutions that can play a major role in European security and defence.

A starting point for Security Research