The chapter visited the European Space and Research Technology Center (ESTEC) in March. Erwin Duhamel, head of security, strategic and partnership development office, ESTEC, discussed the European Space Agency (ESA) and related security programs. He explained that the ESA promotes information sharing about space research and technology and their applications among European states. The ESA is comprised of 18 member states that collaborate and create projects that would not be possible without the agency. Duhamel noted that the collaborative effort contributes new scientific knowledge and practical applications to space exploration. Frank Zeppenveldt, system engineer, satellite communications department, ESTEC, provided an overview of the European data relay system, which is intended for use with global monitoring security system, and a European air traffic control center that features an information management system that uses satellite-driven air traffic communications.
