Space applications in Europe

Summary form only given. The article presents a review of European programmes and plans in the fields of broadcast, mobile, multimedia and broadband satellite communications as well as navigation, data relay, meteorology and Earth resources. In particular, in the area of telecommunications, the present developments leading to advanced multimedia and broadband systems are described, as well as the deployment of the Advanced Technology and Data Relay Satellite, ARTEMIS, undertaken in cooperation with Canada. The contribution of Europe to the present worldwide space navigation infrastructure, GNSS-1, is highlighted as well as the preparation of the future evolution, GNSS-2. With respect to Earth observation, the new generation of geostationary meteorological satellites as well as the major Envisat LEO system endeavour is detailed, together with the new polar observation system, a cooperation undertaken with the Eumetsat organisation. National initiatives, which complete the programmes financed at European level, are also presented so as to identify the overall spectrum of industrial activities. Emphasis is placed on some of the advanced technologies promoted within these systems.