The strategic importance of spatial and aeronautical research and development is very high, in terms of national sovereignty, technological expertise, balance of payments and international image. Space Mission Aeronautics Mission Space mission top of the page Spatial research and development is conducted through large-scale national and international programs conducted by the CNES, the ESA and the European Community. Space research has been a political and budgetary priority in France for the past forty years, thanks to which France is now a European leader in this field. The goal is now to make new advances and satisfy social demand for improved services and environmental management. Other than building space boosters, space research focuses on developing telecommunications and ever more sophisticated tools for mapping, navigation and Earth observation.
Space research is crucial to defense and civil security.
Support a strategic high technology industrial sector with a great deal of added value, leading to a considerable amount of basic and applied research. This action is naturally integrated into the European and international context. Boost aeronautical research by mobilizing and stimulating university laboratories, large research institutions and enterprises and bringing them together in joint programs. The principal goal is to work in a long-term perspective towards the development of new concepts and technologies for the designing of tomorrow's aircrafts. To this end, the Ministry of Research launched in 1999 an aeronautical research program devoted to supersonic engines.