EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY

This chapter describes the establishment and role of European Space Agency (ESA). The ESA is the successor to the European Launcher Development Organization and the European Space Research Organization, which were created under separate conventions concluded in 1962 as European bases for the execution of space activities and programs. ESA was created by the Convention for the Establishment of a European Space Agency, which was opened for signature in Paris on May 30, 1975. The Director General, who is appointed by the council, acts as ESA's chief executive officer and legal representative. He reports annually to the council, attends its meetings, and may make proposals but has no vote. The administrative structure beneath the Director General consists of function oriented Directorates for Administration, Applications Programmes, Spacecraft Operations, Scientific Programmes, and Space Transportation Systems, as well as the Technical Directorate.