[Michael81Dus]

I´m wondering why there are so many space programs. Why do NASA, ESA, the Chinese, the Russians have programs for their own? Granted, I wouldn´t want to rely on China, but what about a further cooperation? Or is it all about politics and not the progress in science?

[americanbychoice]

It is like new military weapons. Not too much cooperation there for fear that todays friends will be tomorrows enemies.
The red tape involved by the EU would also make it too expensive and we would never be able to get the job done. What's next , Put space under UN control?
Let's wait for beagle 15 and see what comes out of that?