"This is a vulnerable period for European space activites," she said, speaking in Leuven in February 2004. "We rely on the support of the public and we face difficult times in a democratic society if we cannot adequately explain why we must continue to move forward in space.

Clear and adequate communication is an important part of this. As scientists, as politicians and as members of the media, we must continue to educate each other and the public.

The Bottom Line
"The reality is that average taxpayers want to know where their money is going and why. They want to know what's in it for them. Of course, those of us who work in the space field know all about the important benefits and services that result from our presence in space.

I'm talking about basic things like weather reports. I'm talking about GMES and space-based Earth observation services � the important information we can gather on the environment and climate change, for agriculture and in the realm of security.

"We also have to stress the important spin-offs of space technologies. One of the most recent developments involves a baby suit based on space technologies that warns against the terrible phenomenon of infant cot death, but there are many other examples that the public needs to know about.

"Unfortunately, most people don't understand why the lights come on when they flip the switch, so explaining how high technologies impact on their lives can be very difficult.

Real Benefits And Something Else
"Economically, we are at a critical juncture. It is now that the groundwork is being laid for a whole new generation of communications and global positioning services, many of which will be provided by satellite-based technologies like GALILEO.

The importance of dynamic entrepreneurship in the space field has never been greater. With the United States, Russia and now China all fighting for a slice of the pie, we need to put all of our energies and resources into making sure Europe remains a world leader in space.

"But we also have to work on recapturing that sense of wonder, the way we all felt when we first saw a man on the moon. It is that sense of excitement and mystery when we look up at the stars that unites all of us as human beings, across all ages, across cultures and throughout history."

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