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ESA Science Governance
We **shape** scientific excellence
We **shape** scientific excellence
ESA’s Science Programme is overseen and guided by the Science Programme Committee, established by the ESA Council and representing all Member States. Driven by community inputs, the Programme turns bold ideas into iconic missions.
Co-creation Approach
How does ESA select science missions?

ESA’s Science Programme has its roots in the scientific community of Europe. Missions evolve from community brainstorming through open calls, peer reviews and advisory groups, into spacecraft that deliver on these bold ideas. A carefully structured selection process ensures transparency, fairness and impact.

Step 1

Scientists submit proposals

Each cycle begins with an open invitation from the Director of Science to all scientists in ESA Member States. They submit mission proposals in response to the invitation.

The Science Programme comprises a diverse portfolio of missions, of different classes, addressing a broad range of topics in space science.

Step 2

Expert panels review proposals

ESA appoints an expert panel comprising non-conflicted current and former members of the Science Advisory Groups (the Astronomy Working Group (AWG), the Solar System and Exploration Working Group (SSEWG), the Physical Sciences Working Group (PSWG)) and additional experts as needed, to review the science objectives of each mission proposal. In parallel, ESA experts carry out a technical and programmatic assessment of each proposal.

Step 3

Senior Science Committee recommends to Director

The expert panels provide input to the Senior Science Committee (SSC), which comprises non-conflicted current and former members of the Space Science Advisory Committee (SSAC), the senior advisory body to the Director of Science. The SSC ranks the proposals, based on scientific excellence, taking account of technical and programmatic considerations, and makes a recommendation to the Director of Science.

Step 4

Recommendation of missions to be implemented

The Director of Science informs the Science Programme Committee (SPC) – comprising representatives of each ESA Member State – and authorises a competitive study of several top-ranking mission concepts.

At the end of detailed study phases, the expert panels and Senior Science Committee reconvene to review the output of each mission study. At this stage, the Senior Science Committee recommends to the Director of Science the mission to be implemented.

Step 5

Member States select mission

The Director of Science proposes to the Science Programme Committee (SPC) the mission to be implemented and requests their authorisation to include the mission in the ESA Science Programme.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
How is the ESA Science Directorate organised?

ESA’s Science Directorate is optimised to cover the complete life-cycle of every mission, from the drawing board to building and testing, through collecting and curating science data.

The Director and Programme Strategy Support Office (SCI-D) provides strategic support.

The Programme Planning and Management Support Office (SCI-M) coordinates resources and schedules to support the Programme management.

The Science Engagement and Oversight Office (SCI-E) provides science support for missions and facilitates engagement with scientific communities as well as the public at large.

The Future Projects Department (SCI-F) oversees the definition and the technology maturation of the selected missions to the level required for adoption and implements Small and Fast missions.

The Projects Department (SCI-P) brings adopted Medium and Large missions from development to launch. 

The Science Operations Department (SCI-S) manages science operations for missions, interfaces with ESOC for mission operations, and guarantees access to data curated in science archives for the scientific communities.

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