ESA Proposes Increased Funding to Enhance Scientific Innovation: A Call to Elevate Research and Discovery

Carole Mundell, the head of ESA’s science programs, is advocating for a small budget increase at the agency’s upcoming ministerial meeting. She highlighted the need for extra funding to support exciting missions, such as a potential landing on Enceladus, Saturn’s icy moon.

During a recent online town hall on January 23, Mundell explained that her request is quite modest—just a 1% rise in ESA’s overall budget. She emphasized that this slight boost would yield significant benefits. “We’ve created efficiencies, which means your investment goes a long way,” she said.

Previously, member states approved a 13% funding increase for science at the November 2022 meeting. However, Mundell pointed out that recent global challenges, like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising inflation, have strained resources. This situation has pushed ESA to squeeze more value from its budget.

For example, funding that was set aside for the JUICE mission, launched in 2023, was freed up to lengthen support for ten other science missions. While these efficiencies are helpful, they won’t cover all future plans outlined in ESA’s “Vision 2050” strategy from 2021. Mundell stressed, “I’m asking for funding to kick off this strategy.”

One of the key missions involves landing in the south polar regions of Enceladus, where scientists believe there could be a subsurface ocean that might support life. Even though this mission wouldn’t launch until 2043, Mundell said that planning and technology development need to start ASAP. “We have to land on Enceladus in 2052 when the sun shines on the pole, which means we need to launch in 2043 and start the mission planning in 2034,” she explained. “Investment must begin in 2025 to ensure success.”

The budget proposal also includes plans for international collaborations, allowing ESA to partner with NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and it supports ongoing missions already in the works. Mundell’s request is part of broad preparations by ESA for the ministerial conference in late November, where decisions on funding priorities will be made for the upcoming three years.

Interestingly, funding for science at ESA is mandatory. All 23 member states contribute based on their economic standing, which simplifies the process but also requires unanimous agreement for increases. Mundell is working closely with member nations to ensure they understand the impact of investing in science. She has engaged with 22 states so far and will soon visit Slovenia, ESA’s newest member.

During the town hall, Mundell encouraged scientists to advocate for ESA’s science initiatives. “Don’t hesitate to mention our programs when you have the chance, even if it’s a casual chat,” she said. “We all share in this effort.”