MODERN SPACE POLICY OF UKRAINE AND THE REALITY OF JOINING THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY

Abstract

Today, the question of the probability of Ukraine’s accession to the European Space Agency is becoming quite popular. However, can we observe a real basis for this? Or will it remain at the level of planning and discussion without further implementation? The State Space Agency of Ukraine, and the European Space Agency, are currently working on a roadmap to address this issue. Thus, in two or three years we will have a concrete procedure, and according to the current head of the State Space Agency of Ukraine, we will have the opportunity to join the European Space Agency. But, on the other hand, many reasons contradict the reality of such plans, namely: non-compliance of the State Space Agency of Ukraine with many criteria, inadequate level of legal regulation in space, imperfect and not updated under modern forms of government in space, etc. An action plan for Ukraine’s integration into the European Space Agency of Ukraine, aimed at implementing all components of European Space Agency membership, namely the following tasks: ensuring the negotiation process with European Space Agency to expand cooperation at this stage; building the image of Ukraine as an active partner of European Space Agency, the EU, and the Member States and associated with European Space Agency in the implementation of projects in the field of space activities; approximation of Ukrainian and EU legislation in the area of space activities and project implementation procedures; preparation for the conclusion of the Agreement of the state cooperating with European Space Agency; preparation for Ukraine’s membership in European Space Agency. Among the key priorities of long-term cooperation with European partners, experts highlight the cooperation in the field of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in the framework of the pan-European global navigation satellite system EGNOS/Galileo, in the field of global monitoring for security and environment, and in particular in within the GMES project, as well as in the field of remote sensing of the Earth (remote sensing). This paper will explore how real this is and how ready Ukraine is to join the European Space Agency. After all, Ukraine’s accession to European Space Agency will give impetus to the development of space science and technology in Ukraine, allow it to join leading European space missions, enable Ukrainian companies to participate in European Space Agency programs and projects, and Ukraine – to use the final products of these programs and projects.