BBC:
The European Space Agency is starting an
"S-class"
series of small science missions to complement its
medium-class and large-class series. With the S-class, ESA
hopes to encourage young scientists and to enable research
teams from member states other than the big four—France,
Germany, Italy, and the UK—to lead space missions. The
first S-class project chosen, which must be ready for launch by
2017, will receive €50 million ($66 million). Realistic
small projects could include compact space telescopes or
fundamental physics experiments that require a weightless
environment. "We want to hear from innovative people who've got
a clever idea that doesn't need a billion or half a billion
euros, but can be done with a much smaller amount," said Mark
McCaughrean, head of ESA's research and scientific support
department.
