About ESSC

ESSC History

European Space Sciences Committee (ESSC) was established in 1974, first as the European Provisional Advisory Committee for Space Research, and then as an independent committee under the then newly-created European Science Foundation (ESF), as a mean to give European space scientists an independent voice in the space sciences arena.

Somehow comparable to the National Academies’ Space Studies Board in the USA, ESSC has a unique position in Europe providing independent scientific advice on space science matters to the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission (EC), national space agencies, and other stakeholders and has become the reference body in Europe on space sciences matters.

ESSC members are reputed experts active in all fields of space research and well recognised within the community.

Our Mission

We strive to be Europe’s reference body for independent expertise on matters of space science, acting as a representative voice of the European space science community and promoting international cooperation in the field.

Our vision

Our vision is to be an authentic and trusted voice of the European Space Sciences Community ensuring maximum benefits of Europe’s investments in the space domain, and increasing support for space sciences in public and private sectors.

Browse ESSC photos from plenaries and participation in international space sciences meetings. 

Know more about ESSC services, impact, and international collaborations.