euesa1-3, Exercise 1: Mandatory and optional programmes

Model answer:

Mandatory programmes (the science programme, basic technology and running the agency) are paid for by all members according to the size of their economies. Optional programmes (launchers, Earth observation, human spaceflight, navigation, telecommunications and others) are chosen by each member, who decides which to join and how much to give.

The optional system suits countries with different priorities because each can invest where its industry and interests lie, and no country is forced to pay for programmes it does not want. The cost is that the biggest contributors to a programme have the biggest say in it.