> >
> > > PS: Good work ESA! (and NASA)
> > >
> >
> > And why not also good work ASI (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana)?
> >
> > Two thumbs up for the Cassini-Huygens mission!
> >
>
> Exactly right! In one of my posts above I referred to ASI as ISA. Either I'm
> dyslexic or mi Italiano no so buono. :->
>

No problem, just trying to remember it!

> There is a place for cooperation, but I also believe that its competition
> drives us to greatness. I'd like to see a new space-race, one predicated not
> onthe "chestbeating" the first one was, but one where being first is a matter > of national pride. The EU vs. an American alliance vs. a Pac-rim alliance (AU,
> Japan and others), would cover most of the able world.

The best way for me is cooperation through competition.
Every space agency has it own project, but sometimes (maybe more) it's good to share resources, knowledge, etc.

A very interesting planned cooperative mission (apart of Aurora, which is still in his early childhood), in my opinion is BepiColombo ESA-JAXA mission to Mercury, with two orbiters and a rover! Yes we wouldn't find there any sign of life (but... who knows).
It will give us much more knowledge of the tiny mythologic messenger... maybe he will bring some good news to understand better our solar system!
And, will give more experience in planetary exploration to Japan and ESA for future of the space.
Note that alone ESA (with Beagle) and Japan (Nozomi) had shown that some cooperation it would be appreciated!

Some informations about it here

---

<i>"I've seen things, you people wouldn't believe...hmmm... attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.
I've watched C Beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate.
All those moments, will be lost in time like tears in rain..."</i>