Other Space Agencies Around the World
Other Space Agencies Around the World
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It's not just NASA. Meet the space agencies making waves in the age of space exploration
Across the world, NASA might be the single most recognizable governmental agency ever. The NASA logo is emblazoned across jackets, backpacks, and shirts- even in other countries, the blue and red emblem instantly recognizable. This US space program has done much to earn its fame- but it isn't the only one out there. This includes the European Space Agency (ESA), which features many smaller agencies inside of it. The ESA is a space program that is solely focused on all countries and places inside of Europe. Though it is one program, each of the ones inside of it are just as important, even if you can’t name any right away. Each agency is different in its own way but all work toward the same goal: explore space and advance knowledge.
JAXA Astronaut Soichi Noguchi was on the November SpaceX launch to the International Space Station; Free use image from NASA
JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) was established in 2003 and founded on the philosophy “explore to realize," JAXA is Japan’s main outlet for aerospace-related research. Just recently, NASA worked alongside SpaceX to send a JAXA astronaut to the International Space Station with three other NASA astronauts. It was a monumental flight for all who were involved and was successful in teaming the three space programs together. JAXA is hoping to launch their EarthCARE satellite by early 2021 to help improve weather predictions.
NOSA, the Norwegian Space Agency, was established in 1987 when Norway became a part of the ESA. Although this country has some different and smaller programs, NOSA is definitely their main agency. Currently, there are no launches lined up for a specific date from Norway, but they are set to receive more funds under a new national budget. Now the country will be participating in the ESA’s exploration and will be given many more responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is to build a small launch pad from which satellites will launch in Northern Norway. So get ready to see much more of NOSA in the future!
The UKSA (United Kingdom Space Agency) doesn't claim nearly as much fame as NASA, but it still works to expand humanity's knowledge of space. Standing in the heart of the UK and founded in 2010, this agency works with the ESA to secure new scientific knowledge and provide their country with progressing technology. In fact, the UKSA has signed a statement of intent with NASA to work together toward the ExoMars mission, along with the rest of the ESA. They plan to examine the geological environment on Mars and conduct different experiments to further their knowledge of space itself. Using different rovers and launching in 2022, this mission will make headlines as the UKSA works with other agencies to expand our knowledge of Mars.
Beginning in 1961 in Paris, France, the CNES (Centre national d'études spatiales/The National Center for Space Studies) is working hard to ensure success in their upcoming flights. On November 29, 2020, the CNES worked with the ESA to launch a satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit, and they are now maintaining the work that they’ve been doing on other satellites. They are also currently teaming with the US and Spain on a mission to explore Mars through the 2020 Perseverance/Supercam, NASA’s idea of a camera and microphone that can further analyze the environment on the dusty red planet. It is scheduled to arrive on the surface of Mars on February 18, 2021. Though part of the ESA like many other agencies the CNES is still working hard to expand their knowledge and benefit the human race as best as they can.
NASA and CNES representatives meet; Free use image from NASA
The LSA signs the Artemis Accord with NASA; Free use image from NASA
Established in 2018, the LSA (Luxembourg Space Agency) has been using the past two years to not only promote Luxembourg and its space sector internationally, but also to follow through on an opportunity to create “a new era for space development.” Currently, the ESA is collaborating with the LSA to create ESRIC, AKA the European Space Resources Innovation Centre. The intended use for this establishment would be to create a hub of excellence for space resources in Europe and will expand LSA’s involvement in the ESA in general. Though the Luxembourg Space Agency is small, the program is sure to grow over the next couple of years and provide lots of support to all of Europe in their advancement of interstellar knowledge.
This is Landon’s second year at Edgewood and first year writing for the magazine. She enjoys spending her time reading, playing volleyball, or listening to music. As a staff writer this year, she is hoping to see and better understand the way the a magazine is made.
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