Canada demonstrates why ESA’s geographic-return rule is just as powerful today as ever

by Peter B. de Selding

Update Nov. 22: This story was updated to add comment from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) clarifying Canada's planned increase in spending at the European Space Agency.

LA PLATA, Maryland — The Canadian government on Nov. 18 gave the clearest possible answer to France’s repeated question: Why can’t the European Space Agency (ESA) scrap or revamp the geographic-return rule?

Canada’s answer: Because it creates jobs in our country.

Canada’s decision to sharply increase its contributions at ESA’s Nov. 26 . . .

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