ARTES Future Preparation (FP) is dedicated to strategic analysis, market analysis, technology and system feasibility studies and to the support of satellite communication standards. To explain ARTES FP in further detail, we asked Andrew Murrell from the Projects and Applications Division (TIA-TF), Telecom Technologies, Products and Systems Department the following questions:

1. Can you describe what the main activities of the ARTES FP element are?

The range of activities covered by ARTES FP include:

The European Space Agency and the European Commission have decided to give joint consideration to the use of space-based technologies to help bridge 'the digital divide'. An initial action plan has been put in place to define society's needs and point to potential space-based answers. In line with the strategic vision adopted by the European Union, the European society of tomorrow will be a 'knowledge-based society' in which access to knowledge is for all. Information outreach must therefore be considered as a major objective for Europe.