The average European contributes €10 annually to the European Space Agency (ESA), which has a budget of €8 billion. ESA's director, Dr. Josef Aschbacher, discusses the economic benefits of space programs, highlighting flagship initiatives like Galileo and Copernicus. ESA's investments yield significant returns, creating jobs and fostering technological advancements. The upcoming Vigil satellite aims to monitor solar flares, potentially saving substantial costs by protecting infrastructure. ESA's public funding is crucial for inspiring future generations in STEM fields. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)