EARTH OBSERVATION

To develop a fully competitive commercial industry by 2005, with a supportive research-and-development programme, which will be driven by predicted market requirements.

To secure continuity of global data for operational meteorology and climate monitoring and, by 1999, establish a better understanding among potential users of the value of remote-sensing-satellite technology, and develop a recognised product range according to market sectors.

SPACE SCIENCE

To exploit, sustain and develop the UK's strengths and expertise by supporting a strong European Space Agency science programme with increased efficiency and sound support for national instrument programmes.

Make full use of the underlying link and potential mutual support between space science, earth observation and industrial space applications; and pursue bilateral mission activities and national small-mission programmes.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

To refine Europe's approach to spectrum authorisation and regulation to help meet market needs and to encourage international standards and fair access for the UK space industry.

To take significant roles in Europe's Global Navigation by Satellite programme - particularly by building a strong partnership with industry, to promote competitiveness, including research and development and technology demonstrator projects - and encourage the creation of a European institution for promoting and regulating global satellite navigation.

To urge the commercialisation of international satellite organisations, to increase their competitiveness and effectiveness, and encourage opportunities for Government use of multi-media services, to improve efficiency and stimulate applications markets.

LAUNCHERS

To help to develop effective and competitive international launch services through UK roles in Ariane 5 and the European Space Agency's (ESA's) Kourou launch base in French Guiana; encourage Europe to explore the potential for working with launch providers to stimulate complementary launch activities; and seek ways of reducing launch costs and increasing the availability of affordable launch services.

SMALL SATELLITES

To promote the UK's already-proven and highly regarded small-satellite capabilities and the access of such craft to suitable launch services; and work with industry to encourage the use of small satellites in different sectors.

CIVIL/MILITARY

To develop synergy between civil and military research and development, operations, procurement, standards and components; to help UK industry win key military business and, where possible, to use military expertise in pursuing commercial operations; and to encourage military spin-offs into commercial markets.

COMPETITIVENESS

To improve UK industrial performance in key areas against global standards; to establish a database of trade barriers affecting the space sector; and to seek improvements in trade via bilateral and multi-lateral contacts.

TECHNOLOGY

To set priorities for technology programmes to support specified market opportunities; to promote UK/European/ international supplier partnerships to enhance UK global competitiveness; to foster technology transfer to and from space; to support European standardisation; and to sustain and improve export strategies.

ESA/EU

To encourage ESA to focus more on its role of promoting European competitiveness; to urge reform of ESA procurement to promote competitive practice; and to reform ESA industrial policy to focus on technical excellence.

To urge the European Commission to assist market development, by making wider use of space for operational purposes; to influence European research and development aims; and to enhance the European Union's role in standards setting, telecommunications and trade liberalisation.

Private finance

To encourage more industry co-funding, including future ESA missions; and to establish closer links with the City and greater involvement in venture capital.

To maintain good interaction across the UK space community; to set a good example as a key user of space, encouraging other Government departments to identify space-based solutions; and to continue to monitor the capabilities of the UK space sector.

Source: Flight International