The European Union's executive arm unveiled a white paper aimed at giving the EU an independent presence in space for research, security and exploration.

Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin noted that China had last month sent a man into space, while even Brazil and India were looking at an independent presence in space.

"If we do nothing, we'll see the decline of European space power and of European space companies," he told a news conference.

The EU, in conjunction with the European Space Agency, is gradually stepping up its presence in space, although is not planning its own manned mission in the wake of the breakthrough by China.

The EU has won Chinese and Indian investment for its Galileo satellite navigation system, which will rival and likely outperform the Global Positioning System (GPS) of the United States.

Busquin said satellites would be pivotal to maintaining Europe's technological competitiveness with the United States, noting the ubiquitous role of the technology in modern life from mobile phones to television.

The Commission white paper, to be presented to EU member states on November 23, lists six priorities for the EU:

-- independent access to space;

-- mastering space technology;

-- contribute to space exploration;

-- attracting youngsters into science careers;

-- strengthening excellence in space science; and

-- fostering competitive, entrepreneurial companies.

SPACE.WIRE